Braith Anasta thought his Origin career was over.

But now that he's won a NSW Origin recall - for injured five-eighth Greg Bird - he won't be using next week's series decider at ANZ Stadium as his own chance for redemption to become the Blues' saviour.

"I'm not going to be trying to be the hero," said the 26 year-old.

"I want to make sure I do my job to the best of my ability. It's not so much me coming in trying to be the hero or saviour as some people might think.

"In Origin football the key is to always remain composed under pressure and not go out there and try to be the hero.

"I'm the first to admit in years gone by I have probably been guilty of trying too hard.

"(But) this is the best I've played leading into an Origin series so it's going to be the best opportunity for me to produce and the only way I can do that is on the field."

Anasta accepts he is lucky to be wearing a sky blue jumper again. Bird's unfortunate knee injury last Sunday the main reason he's won a recall despite his sensational form for the Roosters at NRL level.

There were reports Anasta had fallen out of favour with selectors, he was dumped following the opening two Origin losses last year with a lack of confidence in his ability under pressure a main concern.

But Anasta knew his 2008 form warranted selection in Origin I and admitted being overlooked caused him some mental grief.

He joked the snubbing almost sent him to the "mental home" and he was close to speaking out as the media constantly questioned him about missing out.

"At times people would ask me about it and sometimes I was thinking maybe I do want to say something about it but it wouldn't have changed the result of anything," he said.

"I just sat back and tried not to worry about it and obviously it has paid off.

"It's shown me I can still play good football when people are doubting me."

It is consistent football which has won Anasta an Origin recall and NSW coach Craig Bellamy insists he doesn't want anything special out of his new five-eighth next week.

"He didn't come in on the cross so I don't think he is going to be our saviour," said Bellamy.

"He is going to be like anyone else in the team, he will have a role to play.

"We need to I suppose make sure our game fits around Braith but he needs to make sure his game fits around the rest of the team as well."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP