Recalled NSW forward Craig Fitzgibbon is likely to shelve retirement plans after convincing rep selectors - and himself - that he still belongs among the game's elite.
The Roosters veteran, who is yet to be offered a new contract for 2009, was contemplating making 2008 his final year in the NRL.
But after starting the year in sensational form and finding himself back in the Origin arena after a two-year absence, the 30-year-old is unsure of his next step.
"It throws a bit of a spanner in the works," Fitzgibbon admitted after entering the NSW camp on Tuesday afternoon.
"I'm really comfortable with the way it's going and happy with the way the Roosters are handling things and I'm probably leaning towards playing at the moment."
"But I'm still not 100 percent either way. I just don't know so I can't really say anything about it."
Fitzgibbon learned of his Origin selection via a text message from club team-mate Mark O'Meley.
After playing in eight Origin matches between 2003-05, the Roosters skipped feared he had played his final match in a blue jumper.
"I didn't have to step down - I just didn't get picked," he said matter-of-factly.
"I just wasn't going good enough."
"If I'm perfectly honest I'd probably put it in the back of my mind."
"I think it's the best way you can approach it."
"When you're still clinging on you get a bit bitter and twisted and worried about stuff you can't control anyway."
"It's hard to let go - when you miss out it's pretty deflating - but after the first year of missing out I got over that and last year I just let it go."
"If it comes along again it's a bonus but worrying about it just does your head in."
Asked what was behind his career revival, Fitzgibbon said: "At the end of the day good footy fixes everything."
"I knew I was capable of playing some good footy."
"Fortunately for me the opportunity has come my way again and I'm just thrilled to be here."