BEN CONDON will step out onto the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground tonight, on standby to make his Under 18 Queensland State of Origin debut.

The Roma native of 13 years joins the side as 19th man and with an injury cloud hanging over a number of players, is a chance to play some valuable minutes for his state.

Ben was busy preparing for another milestone match; his first under 20's game for the Townsville Blackhawks, before being called to represent the Queensland team.

Kylie Condon, Ben's mother, said that his selection for the Queensland side has been a lifelong ambition for the promising young player.

"This has been his dream and the only thing he has wanted to do for his whole life,” she said.

"His brothers and his dad are so extremely proud of him.

"Any player can be good, but when you have that belief in yourself and are prepared to work really hard I think that's where things have come together for him.”