Tough as they come ... Queensland hardman Michael Crocker. Photograph: Mark Evans / The Daily Telegraph

Already ruing the fact his 2007 premiership-winning charm has joined NRL rivals South Sydney, Bellamy was dealt a double blow when Crocker completed an unlikely journey from footballing limbo to the game's highest order.

Stranded without a club just three weeks ago, the 28-year-old was rushed on to Queensland's bench just two games into his NRL comeback.

Outside football, Crocker's life has barely had time to settle either. In the wake of his UK visa denial, the second-rower is living in a Randwick motel as he and wife Sally continue to search for a new home in Sydney.

"I wish he'd gone to England," Bellamy said.

"He certainly loves the tough spots in the game. There's some players that don't particularly enjoy those moments."

Still swept up in his selection, Crocker had to be informed by reporters he had been picked on the bench after arriving for yesterday's medical at Etihad Stadium.

"All I knew was that I was in the team somewhere," he laughed.

The hard-nosed veteran is expected to punish the Blues when he enters the fray after the opening exchanges. But he last night dismissed comparisons with famous enforcers of yesteryear.

"I'm no Gorden Tallis," he said.

"I don't see myself as an enforcer. I'm not here to produce big plays, but rather the one-percenters like last-ditch tackles and scrambling for loose balls."

Queensland coach Mal Meninga dismissed concerns about Crocker's match fitness, pointing out his 71- and 90-minute enduro efforts for the Rabbitohs over the past fortnight.

"You can't beat experience in this arena," Meninga said.

"And I'm quite certain NSW don't like playing against him."