'Mini' keen for more Origin

Ryder McGrath, 4, meets his hero Anthony Minichiello during the House With No Steps family fun day at Alstonville.

VETERAN Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello says he still has the desire to play State of Origin rugby league in 2012.

The 31-year-old would love nothing more than to play alongside teammate and former Ballina Seagulls junior Mitchell Aubusson.

"I'll put my hand up, but there are a lot of talented young guys coming through." Minichiello said.

"It would be awesome to play with Mitch.

"He's primed for a big year and wouldn't be out of place in Origin."

Minichiello was a selection bolter for the second Origin game this year and scored the match-winning try to lock up the series 1-all, before NSW went down to Queensland 34-24 in the decider.

He was at the Summerland House With No Steps near Alstonville at the weekend as guest celebrity for the opening of the Summerland House Farm.

The facility provides employment and training for people with disabilities.

The former Australian Kangaroos flyer attended a trivia night on Saturday and a family fun day yesterday.

"They invited me a couple of months ago and I was impressed to read some of the things they were doing out here," Minichiello said.

"I've never won a trivia night, but it's all good fun."

Minichiello comes off contract with the Roosters at the end of 2012 and indicated that he wanted to play with his younger brother Mark before retiring.

"We only played one game together at the Roosters," he said.

"It would be nice, though. We got to play in the City side together this season.

"I'm enjoying being a senior player at the Roosters now and we have a really young squad.

"You never see yourself becoming a leader and then all of sudden you fit into the role naturally."