Warriors hooker Issac Luke has said he doesn't deserve a spot in the Kiwis side for the upcoming Test against Australia, and has hinted that he may even be dropped to reserve grade at club level.
The 28-year-old has been a mainstay of Kiwi sides since his debut in 2008, and co-captained the side on their tour of England last year, but believed his form right now doesn't warrant selection.
"To be perfectly honest if I was Steve Kearney now I would probably leave me out," Luke said.
"Just because I am not happy with my performance, I have been pretty up and down in the last seven games, it does hurt, but in saying that I would rather him [Kearney] have a comfortable team that he is looking forward to taking on the Aussies with.
"I have had to really work hard every year for it, and this year I don't think I have matched the requirements for the Kiwi jersey.
"In saying that if 'Mooks' (Kearney) does give me the opportunity I will grab it with both hands and obviously do my best."
In seven games this year Luke has averaged three missed tackles and has struggled to replicate the dangerous running game which was a trademark during his time with South Sydney, averaging 61.8 metres per match.
With rookie dummy-half Jazz Tevaga named on a five-man bench, Luke also suggested his poor form may see him omitted from the squad altogether for Sunday's clash with the Dragons at Mt Smart Stadium.
"Whatever he [coach Andrew McFadden] goes with I'm happy with, if it means – and hopefully I don't – but if it means I go back to NSW Cup I will go back there, or to the bench," Luke said.
"In life you have to go backwards to go forwards and I think this is part of it as well. I have had that nearly every year since Michael Maguire was at Souths.
"I've managed to react pretty well from it.
"If it's the kick up the bum I need by going back to go forward then I am prepared for that."
Mid-week McFadden said he would "possibly" make some changes to the squad he named on Tuesday, and took aim at his forward pack following last week's 42-0 thrashing at the hands of Melbourne.
"I need to make changes if they are not going to aim up," McFadden said.
"I have got to make people accountable, don't I?"
Back-rower Shaun Lane has been named to make his club debut off the bench this week, while prop James Gavet is the 18th man.