Jarome Luai left Nathan Cleary behind to transform from Robin to Batman, but won't be thinking of himself as any kind of hero as the duo reunite for State of Origin II.
A calf strain to NSW's first-choice five-eighth Mitch Moses brought Luai into Blues camp this week and set the stage for a reunion with halfback Cleary in Perth.
The pair won four premierships in 99 NRL games together at Penrith before Luai joined Wests Tigers this year for a chance to become a game-managing playmaker.
Having always played second fiddle to generational talent Cleary, Luai made the analogy "he's Batman and I'm Robin" while in NSW camp last year.
But even as he comes to the Blues' rescue in Perth, and joins forces with his long-time partner, Luai won't be thinking of himself as any kind of hero for the Blues.
"There's no real superhero analogies here," he said as the Blues hope to secure a series win on Wednesday.
"I'm no saviour. They won game one.
"I'm just here to do my job for the team and what's best for the team, play my role and get the job done."
When he left the Panthers to become his own Batman, Luai knew he was possibly forgoing any further chances to play with Cleary.
From the outside looking in those concerns would only have been exacerbated as Moses beat Luai to the five-eighth spot for the Blues' game-one win.
"I did (consider I'd never play with Cleary again)," Luai said.
"But it's a big motivation to get back here in this jersey. A lot of these guys are the best players in their position in the game.
"It's a privilege and an honour to be back in the Blues jersey but also to be able to line up against some old brothers."
Luai expected his long-standing chemistry with former Panthers and Blues teammates would help make it a smooth transition into camp.
"It does help with the short prep for myself and that's where I sort of take a lot of confidence from, that I've been around these guys so many times," he said.
"It's all about going out there now, having some fun and just making sure I'm dialled in."
