Brad Fittler has hailed the performance of Wade Graham after the Blues forced a series decider with their demolition of Queensland on Sunday night.
Graham had played just 86 minutes of NRL football this season before NSW coach Fittler chose the back-rower for Origin II in Perth.
Some were concerned the 28-year-old might have been underdone after a long absence, having recovered from a serious knee injury suffered at the end of last season.
But rather than showing signs of rust, the Cronulla co-captain was at his silky best.
Graham was forced off the bench early on when NSW captain Boyd Cordner was sent for a head injury assessment following a head clash with Felise Kaufusi.
Graham slotted seamlessly into the back-row on the Blues' left edge. Cordner passed his test and returned to the field shortly after, with Graham returning to the bench.
But when NSW halfback Nathan Cleary was forced off at half-time with an ankle problem, Fittler threw Graham back into the fray at five-eighth.
Graham laid on a try for Josh Addo-Carr with a deft grubber kick in the second half and produced a sublime sleight of hand to help set up the Melbourne winger's second four-pointer.
Now a classy edge back-rower, Graham started his career in the halves. His first game as a Shark - against Canberra in round one of the 2011 season - was as a halfback. Graham played all 24 of his games for Cronulla that season in the number seven jersey or at five-eighth.
And his career came full circle on a wet night in front of a record crowd at Optus Stadium.
Fittler said he never had any doubt about Graham's ability to produce in a different role, saying Graham was his first choice to assume the position in the halves alongside James Maloney.
"Wade Graham did a brilliant job. He was incredible," Fittler said.
"He's from Penrith. He can play anywhere. When you grow up in Penrith that's what you do. He grew up playing halfback, five-eighth, back-row, centre. He can play anywhere.
"Watching his last couple of games for Cronulla you could just see he's back. He's looking really healthy and fresh. Their team is going good at Cronulla.
"I think everyone really appreciated him being in camp."
The Maroons were comprehensively beaten 38-6, with the Blues forcing a series decider in Sydney on July 10.
Graham appeared to get through the match unscathed which will come as a boost to Cronulla coach John Morris.
The Sharks travel to ANZ Stadium to take on struggling Canterbury on Sunday, looking to win to maintain their place in the top eight.