Veteran forward Gareth Ellis admits he would have to consider an international comeback if he is asked to replace England captain Sean O'Loughlin for the Four Nations.
O'Loughlin seems certain to be ruled out with a calf muscle injury, potentially paving the way for a recall for the former Wests Tigers star who retired from international rugby league on the eve of the 2013 World Cup after winning 22 England caps and making 17 appearances for Great Britain.
At 35, Ellis has recaptured some of the best rugby of his career after recovering from a ruptured Achilles and, after leading Hull to their first-ever win at Wembley last month, is short-listed for Man of Steel.
"It's a tough one," Ellis said on Monday.
"Obviously it was the highlight of my career, pulling on the England jersey and a Great Britain jersey before that. It's what you dream of as a kid.
"Having had an off season over the last three years has probably got me to this level that I'm playing at and it would be hard to go back from that.
"But, again, it would be hard to knock it down if that opportunity ever arose again.
"There's a lot of questions to be asked and a lot of things to think about before I make a decision on that.
"I'd have to listen because it's not something I'd want to disregard straight away. It would be an honour but I owe a lot to Hull.
"I've had a few injuries over the last four years and to finally be playing some decent rugby, I think I owe it to them to continue playing the best that I can and if that means not playing for England, then so be it."
England coach Wayne Bennett suffered a significant setback on Monday with Wigan confirming fullback Sam Tomkins would not play again this year as he prepares to undergo ankle surgery.
Zak Hardaker, who remains contracted to Leeds despite finishing the season on loan to NRL club Penrith, deputised for Tomkins during England's Test series triumph over New Zealand in 2015 and is in Wayne Bennett's train-on squad but has played little rugby at fullback over the past three months.
