Drury Low's dream of an international career with New Zealand forced the talented Canberra Raiders flyer to turn down an invitation from Ricky Stuart and the NSW Blues.
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Auckland-born Low had to choose between New Zealand and State of Origin last week when Stuart included the 20-year-old in his Blues In Waiting squad.
It was a baffling move from the Blues after Low nominated New Zealand as his country of choice on his contract when he signed a four-year deal with the Raiders in 2008.
Even more baffling considering Low played for the Junior Kiwis against Australia at the end of last year.
And while Low admitted the invitation was flattering, he said he would not turn his back on New Zealand.
"It was definitely a hard choice," Low said at training yesterday.
"A lot of us islander boys would love to play Origin.
"But representing our country is a lot better for us and that's what I want to do.
"I did think about it ... my dad spoke to me about it, but I didn't really want to.
"New Zealand is my priority.
"It's not the first time one of Canberra's talented juniors has been torn between potential international and Origin duties.
Winger Daniel Vidot was ready to play for Samoa last year before finding out it would jeopardise his chances of playing for Queensland in the 2011 Origin series.
Vidot opted to pledge his commitment to the Maroons.
But Low is content with his choice to be available for New Zealand.
Now he wants to use the rest of Canberra's pre-season to try and force his way into David Furner's NRL team.
The former under-20s star is in his first pre-season as a full-time member of Furner's squad.
Having watched his ex-junior teammates Vidot, Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson and Shaun Fensom establish themselves as first-graders, Low wants to follow the same path.
Low played two NRL games last year, but he is yet to get a regular spot in the top grade.
To improve his chances of impressing Furner, Low is almost 7kg heavier than he was at the start of last year.
"I'm just under 91kg now," Low said.
"It gives me a bit of extra weight and muscle ... I felt too light playing on the field.
"Coming from [the under-20s] to first grade is a massive change, it's a lot more physical and I think the extra weight is going to help me.
"It was tough watching the boys go up, it was good for them, but I was a bit upset.
"I waited and waited and finally got my chance and hopefully I get another go this year."
While Low attempts to break into the top 17, Raiders skipper Alan Tongue has set his sights on an injury-free season.
Tongue's 2010 was crippled by groin injuries, limiting him to just 12 of 26 games.
He had further off-season surgery in the hope of playing pain free in 2011.
The veteran forward has rejoined full training and has set his sights on playing in the Raiders' first trial against the Melbourne Storm in Bega on February 19.
"The pre-season that I've had is disappointing," Tongue said.
"I've never actually missed a pre-season in the time I've been here.
"It has been frustrating ... I'm not quite at 100 per cent but I'm doing pretty well and keeping up with the young boys.
CANBERRA RAIDERS TRIALS
Saturday, February 19: Canberra Raiders v Melbourne Storm at Bega
Saturday, February 26: Canberra Raiders v Canterbury Bulldogs at Tamworth.
