Vaughan’s push for a maiden Blues jumper was one the major talking points surrounding the Dragons fast start to last season, with many considering him unlucky to ultimately miss out.

This season, he’s part of ensemble act, with as many as seven Dragons expected to don Origin jumpers.

The likes of Jack de Belin and Tariq Sims have been particularly loud in their sales pitch – on and off the paddock – and Vaughan said he’s appreciated the chance to go quietly about his business. 

“It’s been good, a few boys have been taking the heat off, it’s been great,” Vaughan said.

“I’m all for it though. If you’re going to say that and you back it up then why not? Bomber [de Belin] is obviously a great player and I thought he was ready to play Origin last year.

“I think this year he’s got to be a certainty. Cam [McInnes] would be great for Origin, he’s such a tough player, Simsy’s been on the brink for however many years. He’s back playing his best football.”

Being deemed surplus to requirements by Canberra was another factor driving the narrative around Vaughan in 2017, another thing he’s happy to be free of this season.

With that campaign now behind him, Vaughan believes he’s ready to claim a maiden Blues jumper, even if he’s not shouting it from the rooftops.

“Me personally, I don’t think I was ready to play Origin last year,” Vaughan said.

“It was more about getting my career back on track after [leaving Canberra], cementing my position in the team and getting back to playing good football.

“I think I can still play better footy this year, I’m still looking to improve. We’re playing great at the moment and we’re sitting on top [of the ladder]. We’ve still got a long way to go with our football and a lot to improve on so it’s looking good.”

While he’s the first to admit an Origin debut would’ve been premature last year, Vaughan said frank chats with coach Paul McGregor leave him with no doubt as to his readiness this year. 

“Mary’s really good in the fact he does sit down and go through all your goals with you and gives you all the confidence to achieve those goals,” Vaughan said.

“He’s always been very thorough with the things I need to work on and we’ve never shied away from that. I haven’t had that before and he’s been really great for me.

“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had and it’s great he’s got that confidence in me to reach my potential.”