It seems only a matter of time until Akuila Uate becomes a NSW Origin player, but first the Newcastle Knights flyer has something more important on his mind.

As Uate bonds with Blues hopefuls at an induction training camp this weekend in Homebush, his partner, Samantha is preparing to give birth in Newcastle.

With his baby daughter due on Australia day, the Fijian-born Uate is hoping that's an omen which will kick-start his green and gold ambition this year.

New Blues coach Ricky Stuart has gathered a squad of 51 players for the three-day camp which finishes on Sunday.

But with Toyota Cup players included and representative stars left out, the majority of the `Blues in waiting' squad are unlikely to play for NSW this year.

However, there are some genuine contenders among them and Uate is a frontrunner.

The most natural athlete the Johns' brothers have ever seen, Uate is confident about breaking into Origin this season.

The 23-year-old is doing his best to listen to every word Stuart utters, but can't be blamed for keeping one hand on his phone this weekend.

"Hopefully not today, but anytime soon," he says.

"She's due Australia day on Wednesday and if I get the call I'll go straight back to Newcastle.

"I'll have a daughter soon, so it's going to be exciting.

"We've got a name but my missus wants me to zip it!"

Uate, who moved to Australia as a teenager, is the perfect mix of speed, power, strength and skill.

He grew up watching Fijian star Lote Tuqiri, and many believe `Aku' is capable of reaching the same heights as his idol, who could conceivably be his Queensland opposite come May.

Uate says he won't be overawed by the increased expectation on him this year and declared he was ready for a sky-blue jersey.

"I think I'll handle it alright. It's all a learning process so the more I get used to everything that needs to be done, I'll be sweet," says Uate, who has been seeking out Knights team-mates Kurt Gidley and Adam MacDougall for Origin knowledge.

"I'm really excited to be here and meeting everyone. It gives you heaps of confidence to know you're part of the NSW squad and all you do is go back to your club and show everyone what you can do.

"I felt alright (about being talked up for Origin last year). I didn't really put my head into it, I wanted to play good every week in Newcastle and maybe in a couple of years I'll pull on a Blues jersey."

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