NSW Origin recall surprises Minichiello

Less than three years after being told to consider retiring, Anthony Minichiello describes his shock recall to the NSW side as one of the highlights of his career.
The former golden boot winner was a Blues mainstay from 2003-05 before being struck down by serious neck and back injuries that sidelined him for almost three seasons.
His last appearance in a NSW shirt was in the opening game of the 2007 series and the Sydney Roosters veteran was as surprised as anyone when coach Ricky Stuart named him in the side after Josh Dugan was ruled out with an ankle injury.
"It's real exciting for myself and everyone around me to get back and play at the top level and a privilege to pull on the Blues jumper again," Minichiello said.
"I woke up yesterday and there was a lot of speculation and phone calls, and then Ricky was saying if Dugan does pull out then I would be picked.
"I spoke to him later in the afternoon and he said that was the case and then Dugan pulled out a couple of hours later and I was in camp."
During his darkest times, spending hours in the gym trying to rehabilitate his battered body, the 31-year-old said the thought of getting back to the form that made him the best player in the world in 2005 kept him going - and made his recall mean so much.
"When you are young and you play three series in a row you think it will be forever and I just thought it would keep coming, but it doesn't and you find out the hard way sometimes," he said.
"This time is much sweeter, you savour these moments being in camp and being part of this experience."
Minichiello admits there were plenty of low points in his bid to get back on the field but quitting was never on the agenda, despite medical advice to the contrary.
"I was cut down at the height of my career but the lowest point was my neck injury, I had two back operations and ... when I came back, my back was feeling pretty good, so when I damaged my neck it was hard to take," he said.
"Retiring was never an option for me but other people were hinting at it.
"I just worked hard and built my body from the ground up again and it has paid off."
Manly coach Des Hasler revealed Stuart asked him for advice on whether Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart was ready for an Origin recall before calling up Minichiello.
However, the Sea Eagles boss told the Blues coach picking Stewart was too big a risk after a series of hamstring problems that have dogged him all season.
"I think they just have to go with the fittest and the healthiest," Hasler said.
"They made that call with young (Michael) Jennings, they made that call with Josh Dugan.
"Brett is getting back there but is still a bit away so I can understand them going back to someone who is fully fit.
"In that particular arena you can't afford to be losing a player early in the game."