State of Origin rookie Tolu Koula is just the second NSW player in almost a decade named to start in a position without any NRL experience doing so.
But the Manly star is unfazed ahead of his debut in Wednesday's series opener, insisting the new spot on the wing is "not too different" from playing centre.
Since 2017, lock Dale Finucane is the only other Blues player to have been named in the 13 in a position where they have never started at NRL level.
But prop, Finucane's position for Origin III of 2021, is seemingly more interchangeable with lock than wing is with centre.
The last time a backline player was named in an unfamiliar spot was in 2016, when Penrith's Matt Moylan played five-eighth rather than fullback for game three.
At the time, the now-23-year-old Koula was in Year 8 at high school.
But for in-form Koula, selection on the wing was no surprise, given stiff competition for the centre spots ultimately won by Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs.
"To be honest, I wasn't too shocked," he said.
"I'm just grateful to play anywhere that's needed."
In 92 NRL games for the Sea Eagles, Koula has only ever started at centre, fullback or from the bench.
But he has started on the wing in four internationals for Tonga and a handful of NSW Cup games, and has been switched there mid-game at NRL level following injuries.
"It's not too different from centre. I'm not too fazed about it," Koula said.
"Just a few more yardage carries and having to defuse bombs and stuff. Probably a bit less tackling.
"There are different things but, at the same time, it is a bit the same as well."
There has been no better tutor for Koula than NSW's other winger Brian To'o.
The four-time premiership winner has started on the wing in every Origin game since his debut in 2021, and twice won Dally M Winger of the Year.
"What better winger to learn off?" Koula asked.
