He came out of the blue to grab a wing spot on the end of Brisbane's talent-rich back line and, after six straight appearances, Kaine Manihera wants a crack at the NRL finals.
The 21-year-old Kiwi is doing all the right things to convince Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to leave him on the wing after another strong performance in Brisbane's 18-12 win over Cronulla on Friday night.
With the Sharks storming home in the match, Manihera's nerve and character was tested by a Brett Kimmorley bomb which hung in the air long enough for him to hear the chasers closing fast.
He leapt and took the ball, only to be hit heavily in mid-air by Sharks centre David Simmons, who was penalised.
It was enough for Brisbane to play out the final minute and claim two crucial premiership points. "I'm lucky and fortunate," said the 95-kilogram Manihera, pulled in from Redcliffe during the Origin series to make his NRL debut. "So far I haven't had too many of them [bombs].
"I'm a bit surprised. I thought everyone would be targeting me a bit more since I am so new but I've had it a bit easy.
"If I play in the finals it will be harder. Everyone will be upping the ante but I hope I'll be ready if I get the chance.
"It's been unreal playing with some of these stars. Every now and then I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm still part of the team, but I can't get ahead of myself."
Bennett seems happy with Manihera's progress. While the youngster is not blessed with great speed, he has a knack of breaking tackles and, as he confirmed on Friday night, has been safe under the high ball.
Brisbane sustained a few minor injuries during the physical game, with captain Darren Lockyer (head clash) and David Stagg both suffering concussion. Stagg was cleaned up in a heavy second half front-on tackle by Sharks enforcer Paul Gallen, who was reported by referee Shayne Hayne.
Battered halfback Peter Wallace was feeling back pain yesterday. None of the trio, however, is considered in doubt for Brisbane's next assignment, against Canberra.
Man-of-the-match Greg Eastwood said after the win he was being driven by a desire to play for New Zealand in the World Cup.
He rated his performance, which included the winning try, as the best in his 18 outings this season. He said a rev-up from Bennett had forced him to step outside his comfort zone.
"Wayne told me to go out and get stuck in from the start, and now I have to be consistent," he said.
Exciting back-rower Lagi Setu, who is playing with the Dragons after making his NRL debut last year, has agreed to terms to return home and play for Brisbane in 2009.