He was considered to be a surety for QLD this Origin series, and yet Cronulla's Valentine Holmes has found himself playing for his club instead of in Origin camp this week.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan says that Holmes is fired up for the clash with the Bulldogs - and has a point to prove.
"He's a really determined, young kid," Flano said.
"He hasn't taken it in a negative way. That's life, that's football. He understands why. It was explained to him really well why he wasn't in the team. He accepted that and moved on.
"I was interested to hear (Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga's) comments on Val. He's one of Mal's favourite players as a winger.
"But Val can't whinge too much in my opinion. When they leave Billy out, who's the best fullback I've ever seen, that's life.
"If a player of his quality can be left out, you've got to work hard and continue to work hard. And he will do that. He'll get his chance eventually."