NSW State of Origin hopeful Tim Grant reckons talk Queenslanders are more passionate about their state is a "crock" - and he's busting for a chance to prove it.

The hard-running Penrith prop will line up for City Origin in Friday night's clash with Country in Albury and is considered to be in the mix in a wide-open race for NSW front row and bench spots.

While Grant still appears at long odds to emerge from a selection battle involving the likes of Kade Snowden, Tim Mannah, Keith Galloway, Aiden Tolman, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Trent Merrin, there is no mistaking the 23-year-old's passion when it comes to his state.

"I think Queensland talk about their passion but if you talk to any of the boys in this camp or in the Country camp it means just as much or more to us to play for our state as well," Grant told AAP.

"For me it'd be a great honour, something I've always dreamed about when I was a kid."

Grant is clearly riled by ongoing suggestions the Maroons have an edge when it comes to pride and passion.

Only last month Maroons forward Sam Thaiday claimed those north of the border were more passionate and that "even the New South Welshmen want to be Queenslanders".

But Grant won't have a bar of it.

"I reckon it's a crock," Grant said.

"They can talk about it but it means just us much to us.

"NSW, it's where you live, where you grow up, it's what you believe in.

"It's probably unfair that they (Queensland) claim that but they're winning so they can say what they want."

NSW legend Andrew Johns last month praised Grant, saying he "looks like an Origin player" and the Panthers big man is hoping to put his best foot forward in his second appearance for City on Friday.

"(NSW coach) Ricky (Stuart) has made it clear that there's positions open and there's positions on the table and whoever performs takes them, so it's really exciting," Grant said.

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