After 225 and over a decade in the NRL, Andrew McCullough could have been forgiven for wondering if his representative ambitions would ever be fulfilled.
With the shock announcement of former captain Cameron Smith's retirement from the State of Origin arena, he has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight.
QRL Media followed 28-year-old McCullough through his first day in Camp Maroon, as he was fitted for his uniform, introduced to teammates and the coaching staff, and attended his first training run.
The tough-as-teak hooker had his plate full, fulfilling a multitude of media commitments, before travelling out to Langlands Park, home of the Easts Tigers, for a session.
Click on the embedded video above to trace Andrew's rookie journey.
