Jake Friend knows he has to continue his long wait for rep football behind Cameron Smith

IF he was born in NSW, Jake Friend would probably own a wardrobe full of Blues Origin jerseys but he doesn’t mind biding his time behind Cameron Smith

Jake Friend of the Roosters is tackled by James Tedesco, (left), and Elijah Taylor, (second right), of the Tigers during the Round 24 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, August 19, 2017. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

IF he was born in NSW, Jake Friend would probably own a wardrobe full of Blues Origin jerseys by now.

But while the inspirational Roosters co-captain doesn’t mind biding his time behind Cameron Smith, that’s not to say the unassuming 27-year-old isn’t dreaming of another Kangaroo call-up at the end of this season.

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Despite not getting the chance to play for Queensland in 10 seasons of NRL, Friend was rewarded with his Test debut against Scotland at last year’s Four Nations when he toured as Smith’s back-up.

Friend has been in top form this season for the Roosters.

With the World Cup coming up, the 208-game veteran wants to push his claims again as his Roosters challenge Smith’s Melbourne Storm for this year’s NRL title.

“For me, it was an awesome experience just to be a part of that Four Nations tour,” Friend said leading into Saturday’s clash against Gold Coast where the Roosters will look to lock up second spot.

“My goal is to be back in that squad this year for the World Cup.

“I guess for us and myself, playing good footy and going as deep as we can into the finals series will only help that.”

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While minor premiers Melbourne are deservedly the team to be beat, Friend believes the Roosters’ recent close loss to the Storm, that was backed up by last week’s gritty win over premiers Cronulla, have them believing.

“Every year you start pre-season and you do your training and all that hard work is to be there for the final game, the grand final,” Friend said.

“You want to win comps.

“A lot of teams don’t really talk about it but every team is vying for that premiership.

“It was a goal of ours at the start of the year and I think we have done really well to get ourselves in a position to have a crack at it.

Despite his years of consistency, Friend is yet to play Origin.

“But there is a game this week that is very important to us against the Titans to keep us in that second spot.

“Then the finals series is another step above.

“You don’t know what is going to happen.”

As for waiting in the wings behind Smith, Friend is not too proud to admit the Storm veteran is still the benchmark.

“He just keeps turning up and playing each week,” Friend said. “He directs that team around.

“He just seems to keep coming up with plays and important ones. Everyone knows how good a player he is.

“I have watched him for years. You sort of watch all the other hookers to see what they are doing. He is definitely the best at it.”