Melbourne wasn't the destination he had in mind but at least tough Queensland forward Michael Crocker was packing his bags to go somewhere.

Crocker was called into the Maroons on the back of just two NRL games with South Sydney, who he joined after his plans to play in England were thwarted by a visa denial.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga said his lack of playing time this year wasn't an issue.

"He played 71 minutes of the first game and 90 minutes of the second so I don't think there's any problems with his fitness and he was picked on the bench to provide us with an impact off the bench, that's the thinking," Meninga said.

"You can't beat experience in this type of arena and the players love playing with him and that's really important and I'm quite certain that NSW players don't like playing against him.

"He adds a bit of starch to our footy side and that experience, which is really important."

NSW coach Craig Bellamy, who coached Crocker during his three years at the Melbourne Storm, didn't hide his feelings or his admiration for the hard-hitting backrower.

The Storm were unable to sign Crocker to the long-term deal he was seeking because of the salary cap.

"I wish he'd gone to England," said Bellamy when asked about Crocker's selection.

"He's a wonderful competitor who brought a lot to our club.

"He gave our club a winning attitude, or more than we had and he certainly loves the tough spots in games.

"Some players don't particularly enjoy those moments but Michael Crocker loves those moments ... he'll certainly give the Queensland side some confidence this year.

"I wish Queensland hadn't picked him."

Crocker has played 10 Origin matches for Queensland, playing all three of last year's series win.

He said he still felt a "little bit rusty" but believed he was ready for Origin.

"I think I'm playing OK, obviously I'm still learning the plays at South Sydney but it's all good," he said.

"I didn't want to miss another one so playing this game was in the back of my mind when I signed my contract."

Crocker felt he brought "energy" rather than aggression to a side and said he didn't plan to target any of the NSW rookies.

"I think the players they've got in are the most in-form players in the competition.

"They'll come in full of confidence and I think they've got a good mix of players."

Despite his years of experience, the 28-year-old said he still felt nervous after hearing the news of his call-up.

"I got home and started packing the bags and I don't know whether I was anxious or nervous but I was a bit more meticulous than usual packing the bags, trying to get everything right.

"I guess it was a little bit of excitement ... at least I was packing my bags for something."

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