A New South Wales State of Origin jumper is still high on the bucket list, but Sam McIntyre knows he needs to cement a regular spot in the Gold Coast Titans' top 17 first.
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"Anyone who plays rugby league would love to throw on a State of Origin jersey, but I think that's a while away for me yet," he said.
"I just want to concentrate on my trade at the Titans and do the best job I can do. Hopefully in a few years time something like that might come around."
The Port Macquarie product is about to embark on his second season with the Queensland-based club and third season in the NRL overall in 2022.
Anyone who plays rugby league would love to throw on a State of Origin jersey, but I think that's a while away for me yet.
- Sam McIntyre
He impressed at different stages for the Titans last season although securing a regular position proved to be difficult.
Working on his consistency now appears to be the firm focus.
"This year I want to cement a spot in the side - whether that's starting or off the bench I don't mind," he said.
"I just want to do whatever I can to be the player other players want to play with and be the best I can be for the team."
The 23-year-old sets high expectations for himself, but he was also content with where his career was situated after 22 top grade appearances.
"At the moment I'm happy with where things are at, but I'm always striving to be one percent better every day," he said.
McIntyre is nearly eight weeks into his second pre-season at Robina.
This year I want to cement a spot in the side - whether that's starting or off the bench I don't mind.
- Sam McIntyre
"It's tough as expected, but we're going really well. We've definitely moved on from last year and the disappointment we had in the first round of finals," he said.
"We obviously want to go a bit further this year so everyone's pretty hungry to be better. Everyone's ripping in so it's been good and competitive."
While the former Port Shark would like to return to the Hastings for Christmas he was also wary of the ever-evolving COVID situation.
With case numbers on the rise in New South Wales, McIntyre wants to play it safe.
"I'd love to come back to Port but the border situation is very fluid so I don't really want to get stuck over there and miss pre-season," he said.
"I'll take it day by day leading up to the break and see what I can do, but for now I'll spend time with the family I have up here."
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