With a State of Origin debut on the line, Jack de Belin was always going to do everything in his power to get over his hip pain and onto the park for NSW.
It's why the St George Illawarra lock succumbed to the aid of painkilling injections to brave Origin I, and why he'll do so again ahead of Sunday's game-two showdown at ANZ Stadium.
De Belin has been weathering the significant discomfort of a hip pointer issue for nearly two months, not missing a match for the Dragons throughout the representative period thanks to the help of pre-game jabs.
Despite aggravating the injury against Penrith 10 days before Origin I, the 27-year-old had another needle to ensure he could pull on his first Blues jersey to help Brad Fittler's side to their series-opening win over Queensland.
He'll be out for more blood on Sunday and will take no risks to get through it pain free.
"Yep," de Belin told AAP when asked if he'd have another injection.
"My hip is still giving me a bit of grief.
"It's always there - when you take a knock on it or get put in an awkward position you can definitely feel it.
"It's that time of year when everyone has niggles and I don't have the byes I would normally be getting not playing Origin.
"At the moment it's all about trying to maintain it and make sure it's all good for when I play.
"It was starting to feel good again, then I got another knock on it (against the Panthers) which took it back to square one.
"Mobility wise it's fine, it's just really achy in spots. Once it gets needled it's fine."
De Belin could finally be rested for the Dragons' clash with Parramatta next Thursday night after coach Paul McGregor indicated he will take a cautious approach with players.
Before then the hard man is aiming for another solid Origin display as the Blues go for the series, staying calm and collected through the daily yoga and mindfulness methods espoused by Fittler.
"I was really calm for game one with all the breathing and relaxation we've been doing," he said.
"I've been loving it. I feel really calm and confident.
"I've broken the ice, I've performed in the arena. I suppose the dream has been realised but it's not over."
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