Hudson Young had a missed call on his phone after Sunday's loss to Manly but knew the number belonged to Brad Fittler, as the Blues coach was among those who had supported him during one of the lowest points of his career.
The Raiders forward, who will make his Origin debut in next week's series opener, has overcome a drugs ban while in his teens, and the ignominy of missing the 2019 grand final due to a gouging suspension, to earn his place in the NSW second-row.
As he runs onto Adelaide Oval next Wednesday night, Young will think of Fittler and the many others whose support he is grateful for.