Liam Martin has promised to live up to his billing as NSW's chief wind-up merchant as the Blues tough nut gets set to renew unpleasantries with Queensland captain Cameron Munster.
Back-rower Martin has endured one of his most frustrating NRL seasons to date, having only played eight games for Penrith after battling a knee issue.
The 29-year-old, who has only played a full 80 minutes in clubland once this season, was forced to watch the first two games of the State of Origin series from the couch.
But Martin is keen to make up for lost time after being named to start in Laurie Daley's NSW side in Wednesday's decider where he is expected to mark up on long-time Origin nemesis Munster.
"I probably didn't think I had played well enough but I'm glad they (the Blues) have trust in me to go up there and get the job done," said Martin, a veteran of 15 Origins.
"I would have loved to have been there (in game two) so I was glad I'm there for game three and can't wait.
"I feel like I'm not really much of a grub but I do enjoy the physical side and the aggression - feel like that's how the game's meant to be played, especially Origin.
"So I really embrace it, and I look forward to it whenever I get the opportunity to pull on the Blues jersey and rip in."
Blues players welcomed the return of Martin, whose combination with Nathan Cleary should help stiffen up a NSW right edge that leaked six tries in the game two loss in Melbourne.
"He brings a lot of energy and aggression and he's a performer in this arena consistently," said Blues teammate Cameron Murray.
Martin had made it his mission in Origins past to go after the Queensland spine.
He and fellow edge forward Hudson Young face a tall task in keeping the Maroons maverick halves pairing of Munster and Sam Walker quiet at Suncorp Stadium.
"Hudson and I, I think we have a sort of similar mindset," Martin said.
"That's why I love playing with him and I'm keen to get out there again and get the job done."
