Josh Reynolds admits to feeling like State of Origin's forgotten man.
The Canterbury star steered NSW to their groundbreaking 2014 series win in the halves with then-NRL clubmate Trent Hodkinson, yet the livewire playmaker hasn't feature for the Blues since.
Of all NSW coach Laurie Daley's talk of loyalty Reynolds has been left out in the cold.
Mitchell Pearce was preferred as five-eighth last year alongside Hodkinson.
The 27-year-old debuted in 2013 in a utility role off the bench but appears well down the pecking order for a bench role for the Blues now after Dylan Walker filled the role in Origin I and Jack Bird did likewise in Origin II.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I'm not going to lie, it is tough, it is tough not to be there especially after we did win that series You do sometimes feel like that (forgotten about)," Reynolds told AAP.
"I would love to be there, I thought I was a part of that, a part of the plans. But it wasn't to be and I can't kick stones.
"The utility role I definitely put my hand up for but I am not in the picture at the moment and it is just up to me to put myself back in there. The only way I can do that is by playing consistent footy and that is all I am concentrating on at the moment.
"I just feel if I concentrate on those things here with the Bulldogs then I hold out hope that Origin will come again."
Reynolds' partnership with Belmore halves partner Moses Mbye has continued to grow throughout the NRL season. The duo have helped the club to six straight wins ahead of Thursday's round 17 clash with Sydney Roosters and to within striking distance of the top four.
Reynolds said he is taking plenty of confidence out of his NRL performances.
"At the moment I am not in the mix for the Blues, it is hard to cop but I come back here every week and to play with these guys definitely makes it a lot easier," he said.
"I will put my head down and I know if I constantly work on my game, they will see that I am suited to that (Origin).
"If not I get to play here every week and that is special."
