Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has declared his desire to play his way into a NSW jumper when he takes on one of his biggest rivals on Thursday night.
This weekend's slate of matches provides the final opportunity for Blues hopefuls to prove to coach Michael Maguire they belong in his team for the State of Origin opener on June 5.
Addo-Carr has largely flown under the radar this season despite playing in all three Origin games last year, but he's eager to step out of the shadows when the Bulldogs face the Dragons at Accor Stadium to open Round 12.
"There's no question I want to be there," Addo-Carr said. "I want to be there, I want to earn my spot in that team.
"I want to play with the best players in the world, represent my state, especially my family and my community. That's what it's all about, I just want to keep earning it and we'll see what happens."
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 12 -
home Team
Bulldogs
11th Position
away Team
Dragons
13th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Addo-Carr will line up opposite Zac Lomax when the Bulldogs host the Dragons in the opening clash of Indigenous Round, one of his biggest rivals for a Blues wing spot.
With Brian To'o almost certain to lock down one flank, the pair look to be in a four-way battle for the other spot with Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i and Penrith youngster Sunia Turuva.
Addo-Carr has experienced the highs and lows of State of Origin, having scored 11 tries in 15 games and won three series but has also been involved in a number of disappointing defeats.
The speedster was dropped by former coach Brad Fittler in 2022 before regaining his position last year.
Addo-Carr's club form this season has been impressive and he hopes to prove he belongs in Maguire's squad by outplaying Lomax and leading the Bulldogs to victory on Thursday night.
NRL try time: Josh Addo-Carr
"It's always a challenge, no matter who you play against in the NRL," he said. "Zac's having a wonderful year, everyone knows what type of player he is but I'm just focused on what I need to do here at the Dogs and earning my spot.
"That's all I want to do, earn my spot and hopefully represent my state."
Emotions will be high for Addo-Carr as he runs on to the field for Indigenous Round on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs will wear a special jersey during the game, which the proud Wiradjuri and Gunggandji man showcased on Monday afternoon. A group of players also received boots with artwork designed by students from Boots For Brighter Futures, which will be auctioned off after the match.
Addo-Carr has been at the forefront of the NRL's efforts to increase opportunities for First Nations people on and off the field and he urged the organisation to ensure it remains a priority area moving forward.
Insta captain: How Addo-Carr learned about his proudest moment
"[Indigenous Round] wasn't that big back in the day," Addo-Carr said. "The highlight of growing up was the All Stars game. When that first come out, it was something I really wanted to be a part of.
"Now we have more platforms, Indigenous Round, All Stars, something that Indigenous people love being a part of. We see kids that probably wouldn't get an opportunity to set foot at an NRL club present the players boots with their art work.
"It's just getting Indigenous kids involved with their culture and helping us boys as well. It's really good, as players we love that the NRL and all 17 clubs get behind this round and All Stars."
