Blues forward David Klemmer says he could have pursued an AFL career instead of rugby league, ahead of the State of Origin opening game on Wednesday.

The Bulldogs prop has revealed that as a 15-year old he was at a crossroads, being courted by both ruby league and AFL recruiters, even spending time with the Sydney Swans' academy program.

"I picked it up in primary school and I played for three or four years," Klemmer told AAP.

Hailing from Sydney's west, Klemmer's heart always swayed toward rugby league, but the 24-year old says his AFL dream was very real.

"Definitely mate," he said, regarding whether he genuinely considered playing Australian rules.

"I loved playing sport as a kid so it was a choice there for me.

"But I loved playing footy and I was a massive Bulldogs supporter as well.

"They came knocking and I couldn't say no to that."

Faced with offers from both the Swans and the Canterbury to join their Harold Matthews Cup side, Klemmer had to make one of the biggest decisions of his life.

And 101 NRL appearances, a grand final, nine Origins and 15 tests later, he figures to have made the right call, as he sets out to lead NSW's midfield this Wednesday at the MCG.