North Queensland second-rower Heilum Luki has edged closer to a Queensland debut after applying advice from Maroons enforcer Felise Kaufusi.
Luki, who will play against Manly in Townsville on Saturday night, had one of his most complete NRL games in the 16-6 win over Penrith last week where he made 41 tackles and missed just three.
Throw in his 106m from 15 powerhouse runs, and the fact the 23-year-old was off the field for 15 minutes for an HIA, it was a massive effort against the three-time defending premiers.
It was the kind of display that would have had Maroons coach Billy Slater licking his lips as he seeks the right forward rotation for the Origin series decider in Brisbane on July 17.
Luki was included in the extended Maroons squad for game two of the series and spent 10 days in camp with the team ahead of the 38-18 loss to NSW at the MCG.
It was in camp where Dolphins hitman Kaufusi gave him some sage advice.
"I was working closely with Felise Kaufusi with things that I needed to work on with my defence, which Billy told me I needed to improve on," Luki said.
"I definitely tried to bring what I learned in camp into our club game. I still have a few more things to improve on.
"I really enjoyed being in camp and around all those great players, and listen to Billy and how he speaks to the team."
Luki is a giant of a man at 195cm and 103kg and brings mobility, toughness and skill to his role.
The Cowboys have won four of their past five games to move into seventh place on the NRL ladder on 20 points and are in a strong position to play finals.
A possible surge into the top four is also not out of the question as they still have two byes and the four competition points that go with it to come, and play six of their last eight games at home.
"It was a great win on the weekend. I don't think too many people were backing us to win but everyone did their job and the boys kept turning up for each other," Luki said.
"No-one backed us when we played the Roosters (in round 13) and no-one backed us when we played Penrith. To win both without our full strength team gives us a lot of confidence."
