For all his undeniable talent, State of Origin football is yet to see the best of Kalyn Ponga.
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The Queensland star has played in just four of the 11 Origins he could have after debuting in game two of 2018.
In fact next week's clash with NSW in Sydney will be just the second time Ponga has played in the first match of an Origin campaign.
Normally it has been niggling injuries which have either ruled Ponga out or disrupted his build-up for the Maroons during his Origin career.
The 2022 series however looms as the best chance for the Newcastle fullback to produce his best in state colours.
"It definitely feels nice. Been fit the whole year," Ponga told AAP.
"For some reason, I've usually got some niggle going on, some sort of injury. Definitely grateful that I'm fit and ready to go.
"I'd like to be here for the whole series. 2019 was the last time I played game one. That's three years ago now.
"Just want to make sure that I get everything right throughout the week. Enjoy the moments that you need to enjoy. Prep well and then just give myself every opportunity to perform how I want to."
The one knock on Ponga heading into this year's series has been the Knights' own struggles in the NRL and question marks over his form amid a contract situation where the 24-year-old held talks with expansion club The Dolphins before signing a new five-year deal worth over $1 million-per-season with Newcastle.
Maroons coach Billy Slater was steadfast in his belief however that Ponga would be his No.1 for this year's series.
"We know what he's capable of," Slater said.
"He's a tough lad, a leader and footy, Queensland is important to him.
"Very comfortable there ... I haven't been concerned about anyone.
"I said to myself the players' actions would determine their selection.
"Kalyn's effort has never been questioned and that's the first thing you look at.
"I haven't seen anything that would deter me from picking him."
For his part, Ponga cannot wait to work with the new Maroons coach, who re-invented the fullback's role during his own playing days with Melbourne, Queensland and Australia.
"To be coached by Billy Slater is pretty cool," Ponga said.
"I've spoken to him a little bit leading into the camp and just his knowledge and what he knows about footy and the fullback position itself is pretty - not refreshing - but enlightening for me."
The Maroons arrived on the Gold Coast on Tuesday night and are set to enjoy a day off on Wednesday.
Storm hooker Harry Grant, who has been in Melbourne recovering from a bout of flu, is expected to link up with the squad later on Wednesday before the team holds an opposed training session on Thursday.
Australian Associated Press
