Robert Toia said he was "speechless" after Maroons coach Billy Slater told him he would be making his State of Origin debut.
The Roosters rookie will play for Queensland in the 2025 opener despite having just 10 first-grade appearances under his belt.
Toia is set to feature in the centres, pushing veteran Valentine Holmes to the wing.
The 20-year-old was so taken aback by the call-up that he thought it was potentially a prank.
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"I was a bit speechless, actually," Toia said.
"To be honest, I thought it was a joke or a prank call. I was just in total disbelief.
"I remember it being a random number ... he just said 'hey mate, it's Billy Slater, I just want to let you know you'll be making your Origin debut'.
"After those words, I don't even know what was said to be honest."
Toia has scored three tries and recorded a trio of try assists in his debut campaign with the Tricolours this campaign.
However, it's his consistency and defensive reliability that has earned him the trust of Queensland's coach.
"I've been watching him closely," Slater said.
"Not just the stuff he does with the football but he's got great principles in his game, I know his coach at the Roosters has got a really high opinion.
"That phone call last night was one that I'll remember for a long time.
"I think he is a world class centre, he is a top line centre. Although he's only 10 games into his NRL career, he's been through a bit of adversity ... we think he's of Origin class.
"He's stood up every time he's played, he's been one of the more consistent players for the Roosters. Playing in the centres, it is man on man, but it's a system and he is a good system player. He's got some good strengths and they will need to defend him as well.
"Hopefully we can bring him into the game ... hopefully he's going to get some good ball in good situations and be pretty dangerous himself."
Toia is set to become the second least-experienced player to make his Origin debut.
Ben Ikin had played just four first-grade games before his first Queensland appearance, while Payne Haas also had 10 matches under his belt before his NSW call-up.
Queensland Maroons confirmed squad - Game 1
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Xavier Coates
3. Robert Toia
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans ©
8. Moeaki Fotuaika
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tom Dearden
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Beau Fermor
17. Trent Loiero
18. Kurt Mann
19. Jesse Arthars
20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki