TASTE OF ORIGIN

RUGBY LEAGUE: Two Darling Downs State of Origin hopefuls have edged closer to realising their dreams.

Ashley Taylor and Andrew McCullough have joined the Queensland camp to gain some experience on preparing for the massive inter-state battles against New South Wales.

They have been invited into camp in the lead-up to the crucial decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night as they are players that could feature for the Maroons in future campaigns.

Toowoomba junior and Gold Coast half Taylor is thrilled with his invitation to join the Maroons camp in what is a sign he is on the radar.

“It’s a great experience to come in here,” he told QRL Media.

“Everyone is very professional here and when it comes to training, everyone clicks into gear and it just all happens.

“I’m just very proud to be here and get the experience.”

And with injured Johnathan Thurston retiring from representative action and no announcement on whether Cooper Cronk will play on next year, Taylor could be a contender to play in the halves for Queensland as early as next year along with the likes of Cameron Munster, Michael Morgan, Ben Hunt, Anthony Milford and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Dalby junior and Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough is another who could get an opportunity at Origin level soon.

He has been one of the Queensland hookers left to bide their time as Cameron Smith chalks up impressive numbers in the rep scene, but McCullough now gets to see how the Melbourne maestro prepares.

That could help his own form for the Broncos.

“It gives yourself a bit of confidence,” McCullough told QRL Media of being invited into camp.

“That’s bound to happen when you get asked to come into camp and have a good time.”

Downs duo invited to train with Maroons