The pair made their first appearance at preseason training on Friday and, after spurring each other to career best form last year, aim to push each other into the Origin selection frame.

Frizell earned his first senior rep jumper for Country last season while Thompson packed down beside him after ending a three-year hiatus from the representative arena.

Frizell’s early-season form was enough to earn him an 18th man call-up to NSW camp for Origin I before a back injury ruled him out of the same role for game two.

He hopes to return this season, ideally with Thompson beside him.

‘‘Me and Joel are always pushing each other to do our best individually and for the team,’’ Frizell said.

‘‘We’re both worried about doing well for the team first and then there’s the individual goal to get there at some stage this year.

At 27, Thompson would be one of the older Origin debutants but said he’s never lost the desire to put on the blue jersey.‘‘My goal is to get my body 

in the best shape and if it’s in the best shape I want to be pushing for NSW [selection],’’ he said.

‘‘It’s definitely a goal for myself and it’s definitely a goal for Friz.

‘‘We’ll be pushing each other through this whole preseason and the start of the season.

‘‘I’ll get this body right and give it a real crack.’’