At least Dylan Napa can now see the funny side of his 12-month State of Origin ban after earning a Queensland debut in next week's series opener.
Asked what lesson he had learned from his penalty for breaking the 2016 Emerging Maroons camp curfew, Napa said: "Get home on time.
"To be honest I don't really want to think about last year. I am just happy I have put myself in a position to be selected."
The Sydney Roosters firebrand has learned to cherish his first Queensland jersey even more after being among eight players who copped the year-long Origin ban.
"I get a bit emotional about the Maroons jersey. The legacy that the guys have built over the last decade and a bit and the culture that they have made," the 24-year-old said.
"I am so pumped I have an opportunity to be a part of it."
Napa has an opportunity to build on the legacy he so respects by replacing injured stalwart Matt Scott (knee) in the May 31 series opener.
"I don't want to think about replacing Matt Scott. I am not going to play like Matt Scott - I wish I could."
Napa will partner 31-Origin veteran Nate Myles in the Maroons front-row at Suncorp Stadium.
"We are on opposite ends of the scale. So I am just trying soak in everything about how he conducts himself," Napa said of Myles.
As expected, Napa has no problem locking horns with a monster NSW pack in Origin I.
"I am not worried about them," he said.
"It's an emotional game and there's going to be some big collisions but we've got a few big boys ourselves. I am more worried about not letting my teammates down."
Veteran bench back-rower Sam Thaiday admitted he looked forward to some fireworks from Napa in Origin I.
"I have been waiting to see him play for Queensland," Thaiday said.
"He's a tough, aggressive front-rower and that is what you want - that's what Origin is all about.
"It can be confronting at times especially playing in the middle but I am sure he will be able to handle all that.
"I am more than happy to come off the bench after he has torn through a few players."
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