Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I.
The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up.
The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday.
Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin.
"On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday.
"The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too.
"We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job."
Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain.
Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues.
"He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said.
"It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team."
Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two.
"I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said.
"Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it."
Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games.
"It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP.
"It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve."
