Laurie Daley is confident Terrell May will wear a NSW jersey in the future.
The Blues coach left the Tigers star out of his Game 2 squad despite an injury to Mitch Barnett.
Instead, Daley promoted Max King to the starting side and added Stefano Utoikamanu to the bench.
The in-form Keaon Koloamatangi also missed out on selection.
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Daley revealed that he sat down with May recently – a player he had never met before.
While the NSW coach didn't delve into the specifics of the conversation, he explained it was good to "clear the air" with the 26-year-old.
"It was great just to sit there and talk to Terrell," Daley said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I'd never met Terrell before, but I found him to be a really good fella.
"I had a cuppa with him. I won't go into detail about what we spoke about, but he was good as gold.
"It was good to clear the air, and there's no hard feelings from my end and no hard feelings from his end.
"He's a guy that's very passionate about playing for NSW and a guy that will no doubt get an opportunity in the Blues at some point.
"If he keeps working hard for the Tigers, I have no doubt that at some stage he will find himself in this team.
"He's gotta keep playing well, and his opportunity will come."
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May has been on a tear since joining the Tigers from the Roosters this year.
In 13 games this season, he has recorded a total of 45 tackle breaks and averaged 176 run metres and 43 tackles.
He also sat fourth in the Dally M Medal standings when voting went behind closed doors at Round 12.
His non-selection for the Origin opener raised eyebrows, however, Daley's preferred team was justified, with the Blues forward pack causing havoc in their 18-6 win in Brisbane.
The series heads to Perth on June 18, where NSW will look to claim the shield with a victory.