Stefano Utoikamanu does not feel he had the chance to prove his State of Origin credentials on debut in NSW's hefty game-two loss but denies taking his axing from the side to heart.
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The prop is now focusing on his Wests Tigers, who could welcome captain and Blues representative Api Koroisau back from a broken jaw this Friday, two weeks ahead of schedule.
Utoikamanu had been on the fringes of the Blues side since 2021 before earning his debut in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium last month.
But in a recurring theme for NSW this series, Utoikamanu found himself underused off the bench.
Accustomed to starting for the Tigers, Utoikamanu was named on the interchange with the view to coming on as an impact prop but only earned 12 minutes of game time spread across either side of halftime.
He ran for 50 metres in the 32-6 defeat and was replaced by Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti for the third match of the series to be played at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Wednesday.
"It was pretty disappointing I'm not there," he said.
"But I think naturally, we lost the game, there's going to be people on the chopping block.
"I didn't take it to heart or anything.
"(Coach Brad Fittler) is going in a different direction and I'm wishing the best for Saifiti. He's the man on the bench now and hopefully he does a really good job."
Fittler phoned Utoikamanu as he prepared to name his team for Origin III and told him he would be "rested" for the clash, where the Blues will fight to avoid the first series whitewash since 2010.
The 23-year-old has been steeled to return to the big stage.
"I only got 12 minutes so I didn't get to prove that I deserve to be there but I'm ready for it if hopefully I get another experience," he said.
"I'm definitely hungry to get back in there."
The Tigers are languishing in last spot on the NRL ladder but pushed premiership hopefuls Cronulla in the first half of last week's game and could have Koroisau back to face the Knights on Friday.
"I've got to get cleared by the surgeon, I've got a couple of things to do but there's a chance," he said.
The four-time NSW hooker has managed to maintain his weight despite being unable to eat solid foods as part of his recovery plan from the notoriously frustrating injury.
The hooker became creative with the blender - at his own peril.
"I heard someone say (to try) KFC popcorn chicken with gravy. Don't do it. It is horrible," he said.
"I don't think I put enough gravy in."
More difficult was watching the Tigers lose their three games without him by a combined total of 120 points.
"It was torture," he said.
"It just gives you so much anxiety, you can't help out on the field. You're pretty helpless."
Australian Associated Press
