Kangaroos star Matt Gillett's chances of making the end-of-season Four Nations tour are under a cloud after revelations he will play the remainder of the year with a shoulder issue.
In is first NRL game since picking up the problem in State of Origin III, Gillett was one of Brisbane's best in their breakthrough 12-8 win over St George Illawarra on Thursday night.
The Broncos second-rower came through unscathed after turning in a quality 81 metres and 43 tackles in a typically bruising performance that helped halt the team's two-game slide.
"I was pretty happy with the way it went through," Gillett said post-game of his shoulder.
"It's a lot better than what it was a few weeks ago. I just have to keep rehabbing and get it strong again. I was buggered after the game, and now I know why. We're out there to work for the team."
The Queensland representative admitted he was unsure whether he would be required to go under the knife at the end of the season, when the Kangaroos travel to England for a month-long tournament.
He said he was determined to soldier on through the pain.
"I'll just get through the year and see what happens," he said.
"There's a tendon problem in there. It's deep in the shoulder so I can't really ice it. I just have to get through rehab and get it strong. The staff are happy with how it's going so it's looking positive."
Gillett said he was focused on helping Brisbane continue their push to the finals.
"(Four Nations is) a long way away, it's something I'm not thinking about, but if I'm fit and well then there's no doubt I'll be happy to do my job there," he said.
"I have a job to do here at the Broncos and that's win week-in, week-out and give it a good crack come finals. Four Nations will be a reward at the end of the year if I'm fit and healthy."
