Josh Morris was once so sure his Origin days were over, that he announced his representative retirement following the 2017 series loss.
On Sunday, Morris was a confirmed starter for the Blues at right centre for the Origin opener on June 5 in Brisbane.
The 32-year-old made 14 appearances for the Blues between 2009 and 2017, but managed just one series victory in 2014.
Another series win looked likely in 2017 following a shellacking of the Maroons in the first game, but the next two went the way of Queensland, and it affected Morris more than most.
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Earlier this month, Morris himself said he didn't expect to play rep footy again.
Now, though, there was little time not to think about a return after a strong showing at new club Cronulla: "Now I've been getting stopped in the street being asked about it. It hasn't been a thought for me in the last two years," he said.
After being informed of his selection, Morris' teammates erupted in the sheds when they were told the news following Cronulla's local derby victory over the Dragons on Sunday afternoon.
The dressing room erupts as Josh Morris has just been announced in the NSW Blues team for Origin 1@NSWRL#UpUpCronulla pic.twitter.com/MUSmnd3AwX
— Cronulla Sharks FC (@Cronulla_Sharks) May 26, 2019
Veteran Morris has been a revelation for the Sharks in 2019, playing in every game and scoring five tries while also showing his smarts in defence.
In playing in a team currently in the top half of the competition following some lean years with the Bulldogs, Morris praised his Sharks teammates for getting the best out of him so far in 2019.
He also conceded his rep experience - notably, in Origin contests at Suncorp Stadium - may have helped him get over the line ahead of reserve-grade stricken James Roberts and a host of bolters.
"It's a bit weird, it's been a while since I've been in that arena," Morris told Fox League after Sunday's game.
"The first game is pretty important in an Origin series. I've got that experience and have been up there in a number of games at Suncorp. That's probably weighed in my favour.
"These individual rewards are a reflection of the team, so I've got to thank my [Sharks] teammates."
NSW team for Origin I: 1. James Tedesco. 2. Nick Cotric. 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Paul Vaughan. 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jake Trbojevic Interchange: 14. Jack Wighton, 15. Payne Haas, 16. Cameron Murray, 17. Angus Crichton
