Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai's round-one axing for North Queensland has proven to be a blessing in disguise, particularly for the Maroons.
That is the view of Maroons No.14 and Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden who said Nanai's response in clubland was outstanding and had led to him being chosen for the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night.
Nanai was dropped after the loss to Manly for defensive issues and after one game in the Queensland Cup he was recalled and has not been out of the Cowboys side since. He has still missed 28 tackles in nine games but his efforts have been much improved.
Maroons coach Billy Slater is a fan of Nanai and he has played eight Origin matches since Slater became coach.
"Jeremiah has been playing back row for a long time, he brings so much punch," Dearden said.
"I thought since he came back from getting dropped in round one, he has been awesome for the Cowboys in the back row and he deserves his spot.
"(The axing) was about him wanting to work hard and be hungry to play footy again.
"He was back in there pretty quickly and since he came back in, the way he has gone about his defensive part of the game and his efforts have been brilliant.
"Jeremiah has got some of the best punch of any back-rower in the game and that's what makes him such a great player."
Maroons legend Justin Hodges said on Fox League that the Nanai axing was "the kick up the butt he needed" to get him back in the Origin frame.
Nanai's line running and ability to catch a high kick are his strengths.
"He is very skilful for a back-rower. He has got big hands, he would probably be good at basketball," Dearden said.
"He understands where to be in the right place at the right time. He is an aerial threat."
Nanai is named to partner North Queensland lock Reuben Cotter in the back-row. Cotter has proven adept both in the middle or on an edge in Origin. "Rubes, him moving to the back row, he is the ultimate competitor in Origin and just the toughness he plays with, he is built for that arena," Dearden said.
"It doesn't matter where you put him in the forwards, you know he will turn up and do his job."
Cotter has not appeared happy with his form at times this year but Dearden said he had been strong.
"I thought he has been great this year, he plays with so much effort and that's what makes him such a great player to play with," Dearden said.
"When you watch the game from the outside in, you don't always notice the areas he does so well. There is a reason he is in this team, it's all about those little effort areas and the toughness he plays with. He has been a great player for Queensland and I'm excited for him next Wednesday."
