James Maloney living the dream as everything falls into place JAMES Maloney was walking back from the park -- children and pet dog in tow -- when his name was read out last night by NSW Rugby League chairman George Peponis. "My phone started going berserk," Maloney said. And Maloney was ready for it. He already knew he was in line to make his State of Origin debut for NSW next week -- he was one of three debutants named by the Blues -- having been informed by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson after his side's loss to Melbourne on Saturday night. Nevertheless, he was still buzzing as he made the trek home. "I suppose everyone says it is a dream come true," Maloney said. As a young kid growing up you sit down with the family to watch State of Origin every year and get that excited for it. To be at the stage where you're actually running out and playing in it, I am obviously pretty proud to represent NSW and hopefully do a good job. Maloney has done just that for the Roosters this year. The move across the Tasman from the Warriors has been a boon for the 26-year-old, as has his combination with Roosters and NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce. The pair has helped the Roosters climb the NRL ladder this year. Now they have been charged with an even more daunting challenge -- ending Queensland's seven-year Origin stranglehold. "Everything has fallen into place since I came back here," Maloney said. I am enjoying my footy. I think Trent has definitely been a help to me. He has helped with a few things this year that have sorted my game out. I think we have got a strong side. There is a lot of good footballers and plenty of talent. It's not as if we don't have the tools there to do the job. It's just a matter of making sure we perform. Maloney will need to wait until later today for confirmation of his place in Origin I after an incident in Saturday night's game in which he lashed out with a boot at Storm and Queensland hooker Cameron Smith. "It was just Cam Smith getting his feet in there," Maloney said. It was a 'get out of there'. There wasn't much in it. Everyone else has read into it more. I am not too worried about it. Nor is he worried about handling his first Origin game, having edged out incumbent Todd Carney for the No 6 jersey. "I suppose you will get a lot of different opinions on how you should approach things from blokes you talk to and blokes who have been there," he said. I suppose I am in a position now where I know what I need to do to prepare for a game. It's just about doing what works for you -- treat it like another game. Obviously there is a lot on the line, but at the end of the day I just have to prepare myself for a good 80 minutes of football like I do every week. That's my goal. You don't want to get too overawed by it and play it out in my head too many times. It's just enjoy the week, get into camp, meet the boys, enjoy that time and the atmosphere and environment. When game time comes up, start getting ready for that. I suppose the talk around it, it seems like it's been going forever. I knew Toddy was playing good football. I suppose that's a bit of a vote of confidence from Laurie in me and what he thinks I can do. Toddy did have last year behind him. Obviously you think he would have been better for that run and that experience. He has been playing really good football. I suppose it's disappointing for him but at the end of the day I am just stoked to be there.