Brett Kimmorley says greater maturity and experience and a more relaxed approach were the keys to his triumphant Origin return, which promises to continue in 2010.

Playmaker Kimmorley produced his most assured performance in a Blues jersey to be among NSW's best in their face-saving 28-16 win in Wednesday night's dramatic series finale.

Once supposedly marked never to play Origin again, Kimmorley guided NSW brilliantly around Suncorp Stadium, ensured they didn't go back into their shell when challenged in the second half, and pulled off three try-saving plays in defence.

The Bulldogs halfback remained humble about his chances of being retained next year for a 10th Origin appearance at age 33, but felt he was in the best shape of his 15-season career to succeed in the high-pressure arena.

Rattled in past Origin battles, he said he wasn't overawed by the responsibility of steering his team around.

"I really enjoyed playing this type of football again," he said.

"I feel a bit older and wiser, a bit more relaxed and I'm comfortable with how my football game is. You know, I'm enjoying my footy.

"If I'm playing good footy next year we'll see what happens".

Kimmorley was 23 when he first played for NSW in 2000 and seemingly had his card marked never to be selected again when he played his eighth Origin, in a losing team in 2007.

The NRL's form No.7 didn't believe Wednesday night's victory should guarantee retention for him and others next year but said the attitude and hunger needed to be repeated.

"I think tonight is what should be portrayed next year for Origin for NSW," he said. "We were great. We were physical, we were ruthless, we played as a team and we hunted as a pack.

"This start is probably what next year's series will be all about.

"I think everyone handled tonight unbelievable. A lot of guys should be congratulated.

"Congratulations doesn't mean rewards, but congratulations means they know they can handle this scene again."

Kimmorley's winning combination with fellow veteran Trent Barrett has built a compelling case for the NSW's selectors, criticised for the constant chopping and changing of their teams, to stick with the old hands.

The Blues could thank Kimmorley for saving several Maroons tries, starting with a seventh-minute intercept after a long-range Darius Boyd break.

He also twice brought down Maroons danger man Greg Inglis with superb last-ditch cover tackles.

Kimmorley joked he got lucky because "I'm small enough that I could get under the fend".

"That's what we had going all week: 'Don't let anyone down and be there for each other', so that when we walk off we can look at each other in the eye."

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