THERE'S one rugby league dream Jack Cooper holds more precious than any other.

Things are falling into place for the teenager, who will play for the Queensland under-18s at Suncorp Stadium tonight in a State of Origin curtain-raiser.

The Ivanhoes junior product made his debut for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL under-20 competition last month after a frustrating battle with injury.

Like many young men in the game he harbours dreams of playing in the NRL and one day representing his country but for Cooper, the demanding cauldron of interstate football is the pinnacle of the sport.

"To put on a maroon jersey, that means everything to me," he said.

He has received his precious jumper already but expects the emotion to really kick in once he prepares to play.

"When I slip the jersey on, everything will rush to me then," he said.

And just like his senior Maroons counterparts, he is determined to do everything he can tonight to make sure Queensland overcomes New South Wales.

"You don't want to let your mates down, so I'll just do everything I can to ensure the team goes well," he said.

Initially named in the under-18 Maroons team to play New South Wales country on the Sunshine Coast next month, second-rower Cooper was called into the top team when another player was forced out with injury, his selection for the Cowboys' under-20s guaranteeing his form was noticed.

He forced his way into the squad for the Toyota Cup match against Manly last month, then played for the Cowboys against Penrith.

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