Ryan Hinchcliffe wasn't even going to be in the NSW Country Origin side but on Friday night he walked away with the man of the match award.

Called up for the injured Michael Ennis, Melbourne's Hinchcliffe bagged a crucial try in the 18-12 win and looked every bit the representative footballer as he seamlessly slotted in at dummy half.

"I think it worked out a good thing for me," the 26-year-old former Canberra hooker said of his late inclusion.

"I came in late, I didn't have to worry about too much, didn't have to think too much.

"All I had to do was do my job for the team, hopefully I did that.

"Playing under Craig Bellamy, he instills a lot of confidence in you.

"Coming into camp I sat down with (coach) Laurie (Daley) early and went through some things.

"He wanted me to play a very basic role in the team and hopefully I did that."

If the City-Country clash is a true NSW State of Origin trial, Hinchcliffe will have to come into consideration and that would mean the understudy taking on his master at the Storm, Cameron Smith.

"He's been unreal for me, just the way he carries himself at training and the way he plays the game, he's never flustered," Hinchcliffe said of the Test No.9.

"(Playing Origin is) not something I'm thinking about.

"If the opportunity comes up I'd love to.

"My concern now is I've got to play for Melbourne Storm (against Brisbane) tomorrow and that's all I'll be worried about."

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