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Mitch Barnett was persuaded to relocate to New Zealand in order to pursue his dream of playing State of Origin for NSW after his first kid, Nate, was born.

The arrival of his second child, Zane, contributed to Blues coach Michael Maguire’s belief that the Warriors forward was prepared for the next step up in the series finale at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Barnett was part of the extended NSW squad for the first two games of the series, including as the 18th man in Game Two at the MCG. He will make his Origin debut in place of Sea Eagles second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu.

Barnett’s selection is a testament to his performance for the Warriors this year and his willingness to make the necessary sacrifices to earn a Blues shirt, such as missing Zane’s birth while undergoing training with the NSW team in the lead-up to Origin I.

“I just had to train and finish my job here first, then go back to New Zealand, because we knew he was coming at that time,” Barnett stated. “I had a commitment to the guys here, but I knew a few days in advance that I would miss the delivery. I managed to assist my wife and son in leaving the hospital, traveling home, and settling in.

Maguire, who requested that Barnett remain

In addition to missing Zane’s birth when he was in camp with the NSW squad for a training session before to Origin I, Barnett’s selection is an acknowledgment of his performance for the Warriors this season and the sacrifices he made to earn a Blues shirt.

“We were aware of his arrival at that point, so my only task was to complete my work and train here before returning to New Zealand,” Barnett stated. “A few days prior, I was aware that I would miss the birth, but I owed the boys something here. I succeeded in assisting my spouse and son to leave the hospital, travel home, and settle in.

Barnett was asked to stay by Maguire.