Adam Reynolds admits he's not the player he once was when he made his Holden State of Origin debut in 2016 but insists he isn't far off from finding a level of consistency again on the back of South Sydney's new style of attack.
While insisting an Origin recall is the furthest thing on his mind after a mixed start to the year through injury, Reynolds feels a lot more experienced thanks to his previous representative experience.
"I know the game a lot better," Reynolds said.
"My form probably hasn't been as good as that year when I did play, but it's continually getting better.
"Things will turn around. I've had a bit of time out with injuries, that's no excuse. Each week I'm getting more confidence back and slowly improving.
"At times it's been frustrating but that's footy, it's a rollercoaster this game and I wouldn't swap it for anything."
With the Origin series just over a month away, the halfback spot remains wide open but Reynolds is somewhat of a forgotten man.
NSW coach Brad Fittler, who coached Reynolds at City-Country level, remains tight-lipped over his thinking process regarding selections.
"It doesn't really bother me. I'd love to be back there playing Origin but every year it's something I look forward to, whether I'm a part of it or just watching," Reynolds said.
"I won't discard the game at all. If my form picks up and I get picked I'm happy to be in that arena [but] my focus is playing football at Souths."
The Rabbitohs head to Newcastle on Friday with a strong record in the Hunter, having won their last three games at McDonald Jones Stadium.
However, in a strong showing of the changes at the Knights, only eight players remain in the side that was beaten 24-18 by the Bunnies in the corresponding fixture last year.
"They're playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of fresh faces which is not a bad thing for a club," Reynolds said.
"The likes of Kalyn Ponga, Aidan Guerra and Shaun Kenny-Dowall have taken experience from past clubs and they've really turned that place around.
"[Ponga in particular] is an exciting player to watch and I'm excited to play against him. He's a real young talent and I think he's got a massive future in this game."
Blues Out For Blood!