Justin O'Neill has nothing to prove to Test selectors despite a disastrous NRL comeback, according to North Queensland teammate Antonio Winterstein.
O'Neill will look to bounce back in Saturday's clash with Newcastle after a horror return from a hamstring injury last round.
The Four Nations centre was caught out in defence against St George Illawarra, costing two first-half tries as opposite number Tim Lafai ran amok in the Dragons' 28-22 win, while his second half was marred by handling errors.
It was not a good look as Test selectors prepare to settle on a reshuffled Kangaroos back line for the trans-Tasman clash in Canberra on May 5 with Greg Inglis (knee) sidelined.
But Winterstein believed O'Neill had already proven his worth after his 2016 Four Nations trip and would not be distracted by Test speculation.
"I don't think he is worried about rep footy," he said.
"He's shown a number of times that he is a world-class centre.
"I have full confidence he will turn up ready to play this weekend.
"It was his first game back from injury.
"As a team I think we could have helped him out there more on the edge."
Winterstein will finally run out alongside O'Neill after a six-week layoff with a broken arm.
The winger is expected to wear an arm guard against the Knights.
"It's pretty tough there watching from the sidelines so I am looking forward to this weekend," he said.
"It has been hard but ...I just had to keep positive.
"You could say it is bad luck, or you could just say that's the game.
"Injuries happen. It's how you bounce back."
Winterstein admitted he wondered if he would reclaim his spot after the emergence of youngsters such as Gideon Gela-Mosby in his absence.
"I was just trying to keep my spot," he said.
"We have some good young talent coming through.
"It's healthy and it really pushes the team to perform because your spot is not guaranteed."
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