Kotoni Staggs gave Brad Fittler a timely reminder of his State of Origin credentials in Brisbane's defeat of Cronulla but the centre is content to wait for a NSW recall and prioritise premiership success at the Broncos.
Staggs scored a try and set one up as the Broncos toppled fellow premiership hopefuls Cronulla on Saturday night to consolidate their place inside the NRL's top four.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters declared Staggs' performance his best in recent times and it comes with exquisite timing, since the Blues' loss in the series opener will give Fittler cause to consider changes for the must-win second game at Suncorp Stadium.
Latrell Mitchell is already set to replace Stephen Crichton at left centre on his return from injury and incumbent right centre Tom Trbojevic could also come out, given a concussion will sideline him between now and Game II.
Staggs was backed by his coach for an Origin recall earlier in the week and has one game of prior experience.
He made his debut in the series opener last year but a shoulder injury spoiled the occasion and he was not considered for the next two games after recovering.
While Staggs believes he has unfinished business in the Origin arena, he is content to put a NSW recall on the backburner.
"I'm happy to just chill and wait," he told AAP.
"My main focus this year is to play my best footy for the Broncos and win a premiership. Origin's always going to be there but premierships don't come easy.
"If Origin comes, Origin comes.
"Hopefully one day I find myself back in that team.
"If it's a year, or two years away, I'll just keep pushing myself to go better and hopefully get that spot again."
Staggs has flown under the radar in the Origin conversation this season despite consistent performances for a club on the rise.
The 24-year-old is averaging more run metres than in any previous season (125 per game) and has scored eight tries across 14 games - three more than he scored in 23 appearances last year.
"I think I'm just wanting to get more involved, get my hands on the ball a bit earlier," Staggs said of his upswing in form.
"I put my performance this year down to my defence. I wanted my defence to be top-key.
"I know my attack is going to be there no matter what but I just wanted to focus on my defence in this pre-season. I think it's shown."
