If Paul Gallen raises the NRL premiership trophy again this year, he may have to thank his nemesis Queensland.
Cronulla playmaker Matt Moylan says playing for the Maroons this year gave Valentine Holmes the confidence to propel the Sharks to a top four spot - and maybe another title.
Cronulla - the 2016 premiers - are the form team ahead of the finals after winning four straight before Saturday's qualifying playoff against minor premiers the Sydney Roosters.
Moylan said they had Holmes to thank for that - and Queensland to thank for the Sharks fullback's blistering form.
"His form from around Origin time has been unreal and something that has got us in the position we are in now," Moylan said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Hopefully it keeps up and he can keep scoring tries."
It wouldn't sit well with Sharks skipper Gallen, who is public enemy No.1 in Queensland thanks to his time as NSW captain.
But Moylan said there was no doubt Holmes' Maroons stint was the catalyst to a scoring spree of 21 tries from 23 NRL games this year.
Holmes was a shining light in Queensland's 2-1 series loss.
The Maroons winger crossed four times in the series including a double in their game three win to take his overall Origin try tally to a staggering eight from six games.
"Obviously he would have come back with a lot of confidence playing there (Origin)," Moylan said.
"The way he has played and performed (since) is exactly what we need from him."
Clearly Holmes' confidence is rubbing off with Cronulla daring to dream of going all the way for the second time in three seasons.
"Anyone can beat anyone on the day. It's about who puts in a more complete performance," Moylan said.
"We have strung a few wins together but we haven't played our best footy yet.
"We're not putting a full 80 minute performance together."
Moylan was simply looking forward to playing finals again after missing Penrith's 2017 campaign to address personal issues.
"Obviously it is a big turnaround (in 12 months). I have enjoyed my time here and hopefully we can give it a crack," he said.
And it seems no one is more excited for the finals than mid-season Canterbury transfer Aaron Woods.
"It's Woodsy's first time in the finals for a few years. To say he is very keen, that would be an understatement," Moylan laughed.
