Andrew Fifita feels he's on the way back to his stellar 2013 form and he aims to use his impressive representative football return as a launching pad for Cronulla and NSW.
Dumped from the Australian team for Friday's Test against New Zealand, Fifita was the game's dominant forward in NSW City's 26-all draw with NSW Country in Dubbo on Sunday.
The blockbusting Cronulla prop made more tackles (40) and more runs (19) than any other forward.
But what would have NSW and Cronulla fans most excited was witnessing Fifita striding to the line like a centre to score the try that sparked City's late resurgence, a 25m run that revived glimpses of his epic efforts last season.
His contract dramas finally behind him after he committed to a four-year deal with Cronulla 10 days ago, Fifita said he now felt free to play his best football.
"Everything has been put behind me," he said.
"I improved massively compared to the form I've been in.
"Hopefully this is just the start, like it was last year.
"I'm going to take a big confidence booster out of the game.
"Last year, I was out of the scene up until this date and I kind of ballooned from there.
"Hopefully I can do the same this year."
A candid Fifita admitted it was difficult to watch on television as Australia enjoyed a hard-fought 30-18 win over the Kiwis in Sydney.
"It was tough watching, I was just with the (City team) boys," he said.
"It was a good wake up call.
"The selectors didn't choose me and they've gone on form. My form needs to improve. I need to get back up there and improve my football."
Fifita appears certain to be part of NSW coach Laurie Daley's team when it is named on May 20, ahead of the Origin opener in Brisbane on May 28.
But Fifita said he also needed to help lift the Sharks off the bottom of the NRL ladder.
"I can't wait to play some good footy and play in Origin," he said.
"I've got to focus on my own team. My own priority is getting my team to the eight."
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