Don in rare air but plays down Origin
@EmmaGreenwood12 bat back the ball for Chris McQueen and Konrad Hurrell to score, while he also snared Cameron Smith’s short kickoff attempt in the dying seconds to secure victory for the Gold Coast.
But the NSW Country winger was refusing to take much credit or buy into talk his recent heroics could have him in selectors’ sights as Origin nears.
“I’m not really in the conversation, so I’m not taking that too seriously,” Don said.
But the 29-year-old, who only made his NRL debut at 25 after coming through the ranks from Grafton, admitted he was playing with great confidence following his Country stint and was desperate to do what he could to help the Titans push into the top eight.
“Country was a great honour getting picked in the rep team, even though some people didn’t think it was that big of an achievement,” he said.
“For me personally it was a great honour.
“My grandfather (Ron Willey) played in the City team in the 1950s, so it’s always been special and even though it wasn’t a spectacle like it has been, it was a great personal honour for me.”
Don was briefly dropped last season but has made every post a winner since and is now a pivotal part of the Titans’ game plan such is his dominance in the air.
“I think he’s just been such a consistent player,” coach Neil Henry said of his form over the past year.
“And that’s what he brings to the team.
“We know he’s good in the air and he can find the tryline, if he’s given a bit of space he finds a way to get his feet in the air and get the ball down, so he’s a very consistent performer who makes the most of his opportunities.
“He seems to be cool under a bit of pressure anyway and the boys love playing with him because he’s consistent and he’s certainly improved his game.”
Don’s Titans teammates were quick to praise him on Saturday, with some going as far as to say he should be considered an Origin bolter. But the man himself was having none of it.
“Honestly, on the wing, you need opportunity to come your way,” he said.
“I’m very grateful to be playing in a team that’s on the improve.”