He was born in Melbourne and plays for Brisbane - but next Wednesday night rookie half-back Peter Wallace will carry NSW's hopes of State of Origin salvation when the Blues take on Queensland in the series opener at ANZ Stadium.
The Broncos No.7 finds himself in rugby league's hottest seat after just 28 NRL games, picked as much for his coolness under pressure as his undoubted ability.
Wallace, who joined Brisbane this year after Penrith showed little interest in retaining him, has come the long way around to win representative honours.
"I moved from Melbourne when I was two and grew up in NSW - that's where I'm from," the proud Blue declared.
"I'm over the moon to be picked. From all reports it's the hardest game there is and the speed of it is unbelievable."
"You dream (of playing Origin) from when you are little kid and you start playing footy."
"You want to play the best footy there is to play."
"I think you've just got to enjoy it. I won't put too much pressure on myself."
NSW coach Craig Bellamy, who is hoping to wrest back the Origin title after two years of Queensland dominance, is a big fan of the laidback Wallace.
"I think he's got a good all-round game. He's got a good kicking game, he's a strong defender for a small guy and more than anything else it looks like he's got time with the footy," Bellamy said.
"He always looks composed - he doesn't get flustered at all - and you need that sort of half-back in Origin."
Wallace wasn't contemplating rep football at the start of the year, but has been fast-tracked into Origin after some stunning early season form with the Broncos
He said of his move from Penrith to Brisbane: "It was my decision to leave - I could have stayed - but I thought in my best interests it was the best thing."
"It's been a pretty good move. We're going well in the comp and it's obviously helped me a bit."
"But they're not my team-mates on Wednesday night."