Dumped Queensland centre Justin O'Neill admits it was tough to watch the Maroons prevail in the State of Origin decider.
But the North Queensland talent can channel that disappointment into performing at club level as the Cowboys face a tricky road home.
Paul Green's side are sitting in sixth and will have their work cut out to move into the top four considering their final stretch includes games against four of the current top five.
That sequence places extra importance on Saturday's clash with the 11th-placed New Zealand.
"It was hard, I definitely wanted to be part of it, but at the same time I definitely supported the boys," O'Neill said of the Origin decider.
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"But I've been a fan since I was a youngster, so to see them get up after all the injuries was great to see."
With their Origin players back on deck, the Cowboys can switch focus to finals.
While favoured to topple the Warriors, who will be missing Shaun Johnson, they are aware of the dangers the side still pose.
"Teams do lift when a player of that calibre does drop out and players feel like they have to step up and fill that role," O'Neill said.
"I know players in our team have really stepped up (after injuries to co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott)."
Centre Kane Linnett agreed that it would be foolish to take the Warriors lightly.
"There's still plenty of talent and experience there," Linnett said.
"They are a hard team to prepare for, you're not too sure what to expect because they throw the ball around and can offload."
