It was a decisive inclusion but Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy would have been just as happy to be without Will Chambers against the Gold Coast on Monday.
The Storm centre starred in the 24-20 NRL win over the Titans after being released from State of Origin duties by Queensland, scoring two tries including a solo effort in the second half.
Bellamy said he had mixed emotions about welcoming Chambers back into his line-up knowing it meant there would be no Origin debut on Wednesday for the 26-year-old.
"I'm a bit 50-50 like that. I'm glad for me as a Storm person that he's going to play with us but I'd love to see him play Origin too," Bellamy said.
"He's been in three or four camps now and he's always been the 18th or 19th player."
Bellamy said he wouldn't be surprised if Chambers is frustrated by his continual reserve status for the Maroons, though he knows the chance will come for the outside back to shine eventually.
"I can imagine he's a little bit frustrated. He doesn't admit to that or doesn't say that, I know that he loves being in the camps but all of us at the club would love to see him play in an Origin game," he said.
"I think he deserves it."
"I feel for him but he's not quite there yet but I'm sure if he keeps playing well for us it won't be too long.
"He's a very talented player."
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