IT'S every rugby league player's dream to wear the Blue NSW Origin jersey.
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But for Moss Vale's Ray Stone, that dream has become a reality.
Stone found out last Monday that he had been selected in the under-16 NSW Origin team which will take on their Queensland counterparts in the curtain raiser before the NRL stars take to the field.
Stone has been playing for West Tigers in the Harold Matthews competition in which his team enjoyed some success.
"We went through the season undefeated and then lost in the game before the grand final," he said.
Stone was first contracted with the Tigers two years ago and during that time he said he had learnt numerous things, which had helped him become a better player.
"Just footwork and ball running skills and positioning myself, they've helped me a lot with that. They've helped me become a better footy player."
Playing in the second row, Stone said he had not expected the selection.
Stone said the thought of playing in front of such a large crowd was daunting but was excited to have the opportunity.
"I'm pretty nervous at the moment. I don't usually get that nervous before footy but just thinking about playing in front of heaps of people, it's pretty daunting."
The NSW team will be coached be one of Cronulla's coaching staff with the team manager from Parramatta. They will go into camp tomorrow at Narrabeen, where the first grade side will also be training.