A fit-again Matt Gillett has a new appreciation for State of Origin success after waiting until he could do his bit in returning to the fold this year.
The long-time Queensland backrower kept his distance while recovering from a neck fracture last year, turning down an invitation to join Maroons camp because "it just didn't feel right".
On Wednesday night, following a successful return to the Origin arena, he took another back seat as he stood in the corner of the sheds with his family soaking up one of his most treasured wins.
"I got asked to come in and was keen to but then felt uncomfortable. I knew the boys had a job to do and needed to focus on that," he said of his time on the sidelines during Origin last year.
"It just didn't feel right.
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"After a bit of time out last year it's good to take a step back (after Wednesday's win), soak it up because it was an emotional one for a lot of us.
"That was a massive win; it showed the true Queensland way."
The Brisbane star played all 18 Origin games between 2012 and 2017 before the nasty injury sidelined him for most of last year.
He was back to his old tricks at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday though, racking up 37 tackles as the Maroons slowly halted the Blues' early momentum.
"It was a tough injury, something you'd never expect to happen," Gillett said.
"Lucky enough I came out of it alright and I'm so very proud to get back into this side."
Only former Brisbane teammate Ben Hunt (48) made more tackles for Queensland, with Gillett paying tribute to the makeshift hooker's 80-minute effort.
Brisbane play Gold Coast on Sunday, with Gillett confident he will back up for the clash.
