The 22-year-old from Toowoomba spoke to students at Cowra High School about his aspirations of representing Queensland, while appearing as a special guest for the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking program on Thursday.

Taylor told students he had a dream of playing State of Origin as a child, a dream he still has today.

“There’s no limit on reaching any goal you want. You have to put in the hard yards to get on the right track,” Taylor told the students from Years seven to 10.

“I’m getting closer and closer. Whatever career you’re aspiring, a doctor, ambo, copper, just keep your head down and at the end of the day you’ll get there.”

Making Taylor realise his dream more than ever was the announcement of clubmates Nathan Peats and Jarryd Hayne in the NSW Blues’ squad for game one on Wednesday.

Titans hooker Peats will make his debut while Hayne returns to the Blues squad for the first time since the the state’s latest series win in 2014.

Taylor was pleased to see his fellow Titans in Laurie Daley’s squad, but is confident his home state will take an early advantage in the series at Suncorp Stadium.

“I sent him [Peats] a message saying congratulations on the achievement. It’s a massive honour for himself and it’s been a life-long dream for him,” Taylor said.

“For Haynesy it’s great to see him back in the representative arena. He’s been away from it for awhile but I’m sure this game will give him plenty of confidence. And I’m sure he’ll bring that confidence back to club level and perform for us as well.

“It’s a dream of mine as I was telling the kids. I’ve watched State of Origin from way back to when I can remember. It’s been a long time coming and a massive goal I’ve set to one day represent Queensland and hopefully represent my country as well.

“I think Queensland will just do it. They have too much experience and I’m sure they can get over the line.”

The Titans had the bye on the weekend.

It follows a tough 30-10 loss against Manly Sea Eagles and a hard fought 38-36 victory over Melbourne Storm during the past fortnight.

“The bye comes at a good time. Especially after the tough game against the Storm and the fact we didn’t really perform on the weekend, so it gives us some time to look over some stuff and rest our bodies and hopefully pick up our game against Cowboys next week,” Taylor said.

NSW and Queensland lock horns from 8pm, Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium.