Snubbed by national selectors and not rated by rivals.
It's easy to see why the Brisbane Heat will use an "us against the world" mentality to get their Big Bash League title defence back on track against the Sydney Sixers at the Gabba on Thursday night.
Despite Queensland being the reigning domestic one-day champions, no one from the Sunshine State featured in the 14-strong Australian squad for the opening three limited overs clashes with England.
And Sixers paceman Josh Hazlewood added further insult when he claimed the Melbourne Stars were the BBL "benchmark" - not defending champions Brisbane.
But Heat batsman Chris Lynn hoped Brisbane gave a not-so-subtle reminder of their talent when they looked to snap back-to-back losses against the second-last Sixers.
Asked about no Queenslanders appearing in the one-day national squad, Lynn said: "We are used to it by now.
"I guess that means we have a full-strength team for the rest of the tournament and that is only going to help us."
Ben Cutting appeared the most likely Heat player to feature in national colours but was pipped by Tasmania's James Faulkner for the Australian all-rounder role.
Lynn said Cutting's 40 off 19 balls - including five sixes - in Monday night's 57-run loss to the Melbourne Renegades was an indication of what the national side would be missing.
"We all know he can bowl but he showed the other night how devastating he can be with the bat - he's a real X-factor for us," he said.
Brisbane would also be forgiven for being miffed over Hazlewood's claim about the Stars.
"They are probably the benchmark at the moment. They have got a great line-up on paper," said Hazlewood, who took 3-20 nursing a shin injury in Sunday night's 77-run loss to the Stars.
The Heat campaign may be bolstered by Test quick Ryan Harris, who is set to feature against the Stars at the Gabba on January 11 and the Strikers in Adelaide on January 18 after being overlooked for the first three ODIs.
"He brings a buzz to the side because everyone looks up to him and wants to play well for him but we can't be relying on one player to turn this around," Lynn said.
Heat captain James Hopes (abdominal strain) has been given until match day to prove his fitness.
The Sixers added ex-Test seamer Trent Copeland to their squad.
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