“I think you need two things to be at this level. The first thing: you need to be playing at the standard of this footy team and what they’ve created over the last few years. And the second thing: the opportunity needs to arise.

“He’s certainly ticking one of those boxes, Corey, and when that opportunity arises, I’m sure they’ll take the opportunity.”

Loiero shared a laugh with journalists upon his unveiling as a Maroon, talking about acting out Origin deciders against the bigger kids in the neighbourhood.

But he emitted a steely resolve when the conversation turned to the real thing, revealing his determination to replicate the feats of his Origin idols, Michael Crocker and Matt Gillett.

It was just two weeks ago in Magic Round when Loiero’s desire to be the Storm’s aggressor backfired. He gave away four penalties, including for a high shot in golden point that contributed to the team’s two-point defeat to the Raiders.

But Loiero says he has moved on from those setbacks, adamant his exposure to the Storm’s famously discipline-oriented system has prepared him for the Origin furnace.

“I have these memories in my head of playing State of Origin deciders in the front yard, we had a big group of kids who used to play out in the park growing up.”

Trent Loiero

“I think it’s always been there, it might’ve just come out a bit more in the past few weeks, but I’ve learnt my lesson – aggression’s good, but as long as it’s controlled aggression,” Loiero said.

“I don’t know what the plan will be with my minutes … whatever it is, I’ll be ready to go. That’s your job as a utility player, to bring a bit of energy and spark.

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“I’ll definitely be looking to do that. I feel very lucky I’ve been able to be in the Melbourne Storm system since I was nine years old, and for my progression as a player and person, it’s put me in really good stead.”

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