Kimmorley comfortable in NSW role
Brett Kimmorley declared he doesn't want to be a one-off quick fix to NSW's halfback crisis after being recalled to save a desperate and deflated Blues side facing a State of Origin series whitewash.
Kimmorley was one of eight changes to the NSW side for Origin III next Wednesday, with Bulldogs teammate Michael Ennis another notable selection picked at hooker as one of three debutants.
It is the club combination between Kimmorley and Ennis that helped both earn Origin redemptions - Kimmorley a recall at the age of 32 and Ennis his debut after being overlooked for Robbie Farah at the start of the series.
On a two-year contract at the high-flying Bulldogs, Kimmorley insists he is enjoying his football immensely and is finally so comfortable with his role in the game that he could be the answer for the Blues halfback woes in 2010 at the age of 33.
"Football-wise I feel like I'm playing as good as I have for a long while and having an absolute ball," said Kimmorley, who played the last of his eight Origins in 2007.
"I never thought I'd enjoy footy like this again.
"I feel I've got no pressure on my ability anymore. I'm a bit older and wiser and know my role a lot better.
"You're not going to go in and try too hard. That's been a problem with me in the past. I've over-played my hand sometimes.
"I'm going to play (NRL) again next year so if people are saying this could be only one game I'm going to play - there's always next year."
Kimmorley said it wasn't until he was hosting corporate events during Origin II at ANZ Stadium that he realised he was confident he could play for NSW again.
"It was the first time I thought maybe I could play again; maybe I am enjoying my football that much," he said.
Ennis said gaining his first Blues jumper was the highlight of his career and credited the Bulldogs for helping him overcome the disappointment of being overlooked at the start of the series.
"I have had kids and been married and that so other than personal family stuff it's probably the biggest highlight of my life," said Ennis.
"I would have loved to have got the opportunity earlier but sometimes it's about being patient and I think the way I handled the disappointment was very good.
"I knew if I just kept chipping away I'd hopefully get the chance one day. Fortunately it's come sooner rather than later."
Nobody has waited longer for an Origin recall than Manly prop Josh Perry.
He played one Origin for the Blues in 2003, the first game at the redeveloped Suncorp Stadium.
After winning a premiership and gaining a Test debut in his first year at Manly in 2008, Perry said regaining a NSW jersey was the icing on the cake and he was excited about returning to the cauldron for Origin III.
"I can't really believe it at the moment," said Perry.
"I was lucky enough to get a premiership and Aussie jumper last year but the Blues one is the one you really want. I'm there now and I'm not going to let it go."
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