Dynamic centre Michael Jennings believes he can take his game to a whole new level for NSW, now he’s no longer a reserve grader playing State of Origin.
This time last year, Jennings went from the Windsor Wolves to the big show, the first player in 29 years to be picked in Origin from the lower grades.
Jennings entered camp weighed down by media scrutiny surrounding his suspected falling out with Penrith boss Phil Gould and coach Ivan Cleary.
Next Wednesday, Jennings takes on Queensland with a clear mind.
He’s no longer a NSW Cup battler – he’s the star try-scorer at the high-flying Sydney Roosters.
Jennings expects the fresh start at club level to boost his game on the Origin stage.
“It brings a lot. It helps me a lot,” Jennings told AAP.
“I’m not in the media for the wrong reasons. I’m playing my footy, I’m enjoying it and it’s reflecting in my game.
“Looking back at it now, you can see that it was a distraction.
“At the time, I didn’t pay too much attention but, looking back at it now, you could see a lot of weight has been lifted off and I’m coming in clear minded.
“All I’m focusing on is doing my part and doing my bit for the team.”
Although NSW lost game one last year, Jennings scored a try, handled opposite number Justin Hodges and proved he belonged at Origin level.
Now with his distractions a thing of the past, Jennings is looking to kick into a higher gear and dominate.
“Definitely – I can bring a lot,” says Jennings, who is also excited by the fact Roosters’ teammates Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney are inside him in the halves.
“I’ve got a few games under my belt. I’m confident and it doesn’t faze me, the big stage anymore.
“I can just come in here with confidence and do my part for this team and I’m confident I’ll do my job right.”
Last year, critics were questioning whether Jennings and centre partner Josh Morris were up to the task of shutting down Maroons game breakers Hodges and Greg Inglis.
The Blues pair passed with flying colours.
Jennings still describes Hodges as “the one”, but he reckons he’s done enough to make the Test star worried.
“He knows it’s going to be a battle,” said Jennings.
“And he’s going to be doing everything he can do to perform and do his job.
“I’ve got to be better at what I do and I’m always up for the challenge.
“Hodgo is always the one.
“He’s a confident player. You can see it in his game.”
