RUGBY LEAGUE
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Emerging Dragons playmaker Drew Hutchison says the presence of international halves Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop has done wonders for his blossoming rugby league career.
Hutchison, 20, has been touted as one of the club's most exciting prospects following a couple of breakout seasons in the junior ranks.
He will run on to Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night to represent NSW for a second time, when the Blues seek to retain their State of Origin crown against Queensland in the under-20s interstate clash.
Hutchison is fully prepared for the Origin blockbuster, both physically and mentally.
He sought some timely advice from Marshall and Widdop - who boast a collective 41 international caps - ahead of the big game.
And it's not the first time the pair have taken Hutchison under their wing.
"Just in general I go to them [Marshall and Widdop] for a lot of advice," said Hutchison.
"They've been good for me this year, they help me out and give me tips on where I'm going wrong, or where to improve."
Hutchison was one of St George Illawarra's stars in the National Youth Competition last year as the Dragons reached the preliminary final.
His strong form was rewarded with a spot in the Junior Kangaroos team.
He was also called into the NSW side for last year's one-off Origin rubber and started at five-eighth, but was thrown into the hooker role midway through the game to cover for injury.
NSW won the game comfortably and Hutchison hopes to repeat the feat in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Dragons teenager Hame Sele will run out alongside his clubmate.
Sele, 18, is one of the youngest players selected for the Blues but has been tearing the NYC apart this year.
Hutchison was not surprised to see the young wrecking ball get a call-up for the Blues.
"Hame is a very good player," Hutchison said.
"He's a bit of a freak, it's going to be good playing alongside him."
Sele was surprised by the selection, but is eager to grab the opportunity.
"I got the call last Tuesday night from the team manager and [he] told me I'd made the side, so I was pretty excited," Sele said.
"I was scared I'd be up there by myself, so it's good to have Drewy there."
Sele has represented NSW at under-18 level before, as well as Australia in the schoolboys side.
His current contract expires at the end of 2016 and Sele hopes to crack a spot on the Dragons' senior list with another strong season in the NYC next year.