Parramatta star J’maine Hopgood was playing with his restless child last Sunday when Queensland coach Billy Slater called him to say he’d be making his Origin debut on Wednesday night.
“I was sitting by the phone most of the day trying to keep busy, just waiting to see if I got the phone call,” Hopgood recalled.
“My daughter was getting ready, it was close to bed time, so she was getting a bit angry and I was trying to keep her amused playing with her and then the phone rang.
“I told my missus to mute the TV and we sat there listening on speaker.”
After being part of Queensland’s extended squad for last year’s State of Origin series, the 25-year-old said it was “emotional” hearing Slater welcome him to the top team for Wednesday’s clash against the NSW Blues at Accor Stadium.
“It was pretty emotional… I was in a bit of shock – being here is a dream come true,” Hopgood said.
“I think it’s smart how Billy does it. Being in the squad for Game 3 last year, I guess it makes you feel a bit more comfortable, so this time around it’s not the first time doing everything.
“I guess that’s the most important thing, being comfortable. I already know most of the boys from last year’s game and that’s the biggest thing for the week, a sense of inclusion already.”
It’s been a whirlwind journey to the Maroons for Hopgood.
Born and raised in Hervey Bay in Queensland, Hopgood dropped out of school at the age of 15 to start an apprenticeship.
He played his junior footy with Caloundra before being scouted by the Penrith Panthers as a teenager and moving to western Sydney.
After making debut with the Panthers in 2021, Hopgood made the switch to Eels last season after nine games in the top grade.
Since his arrival in Parramatta, Hopgood has been one of the club’s best in what has been a disappointing couple of seasons for the Blue & Gold. Hopgood said he can’t believe how far he has come.
“It’s a dream come true and if you would’ve asked a little eight-year-old kid if he’d be standing here today, I wouldn’t know what to say to you,” he said.
“It’s a credit to my whole family. We’ve stuck really tight and that’s helped me along the way.
“I’m probably the first kid born and raised in Hervey Bay to play first grade let alone play for Queensland.
“To be able to put the [Hervey Bay] postcode on my arm and run out there on Wednesday and represent where I am from is very special to me.”
While Hopgood plays starting lock for the Eels, he’s expected to enter Wednesday night’s game off the bench.
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.