Snubbed Canberra Raiders centre Joey Leilua has declared New South Wales "picked the wrong team" for this year's failed State of Origin series.
And he backed coach Ricky Stuart's decision to reject an approach from Blues officials to be a "development" player in the lead-up to last week's series-clinching loss.
Leilua has transformed from a frustrating enigma at Newcastle to one of the game's best centres since linking with the Raiders last year.
Many experts are calling for wholesale changes for the dead rubber in Sydney on July 13 to get a head start on future series.
Leilua may come into contention to replace Parramatta centre Michael Jennings, who had a night to forget in the 26-16 loss in Brisbane.
There's a consensus the Blues are sometimes too loyal at the selection table and current form should be a given more weight.
"I think they picked the wrong team, there's a few guys who missed out but there's not much anyone can do about it now, the series is gone," Leilua said after Sunday's win over Gold Coast.
"Yeah it is [motivation], it was a goal for me this year but all we can do is start again next year."
"You hear a lot of people saying 'you should be playing this, you should be playing that', but it's not up to me. It's up to the coach and the selectors that have to pick the team.
"If they don't want me in there, then I won't be in there [for Origin III]. I've just got to keep playing good footy for this team and see where I can go."
Leilua was a Blues development player during Stuart's last year as Blues coach in 2012.
The 24-year-old backed Stuart's move to turn down an invitation two weeks ago to head into camp at Coffs Harbour with the team.
"He was right to do it, I should be at the club," Leilua said.
Stuart reiterated his belief that the Blues had missed a trick by overlooking Leilua, who leads the NRL in tackle busts and offloads.
"I don't pick the Blues team mate. [But] I said it two weeks ago, he should have played game one," he said.
Leilua was criticised for being unfit at times at the Knights, but a renewed professional approach has helped him find the form that prompted Stuart to earmark him a future Blue four years ago.
He will play his former team for the first time at Canberra Stadium on Sunday after a contract clause banned him from playing the Knights last year, and missing the round three clash at Hunter Stadium through suspension.
"I think [the biggest difference] is I just go out there and play footy and have fun," Leilua said.
"I used to let things get into my head and be afraid to try something in case I made a mistake."
Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker said Leilua's willingness to take the hard carries out of danger was custom made for Origin.
"I was similar to Stick [Stuart]. I said last week I would have had him in there as well, but we don't pick the team," Croker said.
"He's been great, he's another one similar to Papa [Canberra and Queensland forward Josh Papalii] who's done a full pre-season and it's showing on the field.
"We're pretty lucky with our back four or five, it's like having extra forwards.
"They get in there and do all the hard work and help out the big boys."
Fellow Knights recruit Joseph Tapine said the reason behind Leilua's turnaround was simple – he's content with life away from football.
"He's happy," Tapine said. "On and off the field he's got that bubbliness and he loves the club. I think that helps out with his performances."
with AAP
NRL — ROUND 17
Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights, Canberra Stadium, 2pm. Tickets. TV: Fox Sports 1.
