A new-look Gareth Hock will be a feature of the England team that takes on the Exiles in the first of a two-match international Origin Series at Langtree Park on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old Wigan forward says he has learned a "massive lesson" as he prepares to make his return to the international scene after serving a two-year doping ban.
Hock, who tested positive for cocaine shortly after playing for England against France in Paris three years ago, admits he has found the best rugby of his career this season and puts it down to a change of attitude - and a big loss in weight.
"I've well and truly moved on," he said. "It's a massive lesson learned.
"It's been hard but I'm feeling good again and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I think it's the best rugby I've played this year. Last year it took a bit of getting back. There were a couple of adjustments needed but I've sorted them out now."
Hock reveals the change of coach at Wigan, where Shaun Wane succeeded Australian Michael Maguire in the close season, played a key role in his transformation and his subsequent return to the England fold.
"I was carrying a bit more weight than I was used to," he added.
"Michael Maguire wanted me playing prop so I put a bit of weight on.
"But I wanted to go back to the back row so we worked on diet and stuff like that and I lost a few kilograms. I also wanted to play full games so it worked well.
"I knew I wouldn't get back in the England team in the first year. I worked on getting fit and getting into the Wigan team but it was my goal this year to make the England team."
Hock will be fresh for his England comeback, having missed Wigan's last two games through suspension after being sent off for his part in the brawl that marred the derby with St Helens at the Magic Weekend.
The Wigan-born forward was also at the centre of controversy in the Good Friday derby at Langtree Park, where he was punished for throwing the ball at Saints fans in the crowd while celebrating a try.
Hock can expect a hostile reception from the Saints fans at Langtree Park but he insists there is no friction with the St Helens players, James Roby and Jon Wilkin, in the England squad.
"It's different off the field," he said. "They are good lads, Robes and Wilko, we get on.
"It's just when we play each other, things throw up a bit. It's a derby match isn't it? They are special games, Wigan-Saints games, especially when you're a Wigan lad."
