Man mountain Tariq Sims is hoping his two-try performance for Country against City in Mudgee on Sunday will catapult him into contention for next month’s State of Origin opener Melbourne.

The highly-rated 22-year-old North Queensland back-rower crossed twice in the second half in Country’s 24-22 loss at the Glen Willow Sports Complex and said his first taste of representative action has left him desperate for more.

Sims refused to discuss his youngest brother Korbin’s decision to play for the Queensland under-20 side before withdrawing through injury, but said there was no doubting his allegiance to the Blues.

“I am a proud blue and this game has only reinforced my commitment to the sky blue jersey,” Sims said.

“I was pretty happy getting two tries, but the forwards laid the platform for me. All I had to do was catch the ball and put it down.”

Sims was part of Ricky Stuart’s emerging Blues squad last year, but said the NSW coach had not given him any feedback about whether or not he was part of his plans for this year’s series.

But he would love the chance to feature in a side that ended Queensland’s six-year dominance.

“I haven’t spoken to Ricky, but every now and then somebody chips me that he is watching our games,” he said.

“I am not the kind of bloke who thinks too much about it. It’s very much one week at a time for me.

“But to represent my state would be unreal and words wouldn’t be able to describe the feeling if it happens.

“I would be proud and honoured and excited at the challenge of trying to stop the Queensland machine.”