Dumped Maroons prop David Shillington hasn't given up on the Rugby League World Cup with Saturday's man-of-the-match performance against the Eels sending Kangaroos selectors his loudest reminder yet.
Shillington was superb in the Raiders 14-0 win over the Eels at a saturated Canberra Stadium.
His error-free display included 19 runs for a vital 197 metres in attack and 26 tackles in defence.
The performance followed several big matches for Shillington, who has ramped up his game since being dropped from the Maroons squad for State of Origin II.
The representative prop said he'd set several short term goals to get back in contention for the Kangaroos squad that travels to the UK, Ireland and France for the World Cup in October/November.
"I know I missed out on the last two games of Origin but I don't want to rule myself out for that World Cup," he said.
"They need plenty of specialist front rowers to take over and I'd love to be a part of it."
The 30-year-old also said he plans to work his way back into the Maroons squad in 2014.
"I was very disappointed getting dropped," he said.
"I wanted a chance to right the wrong and make up for that loss in game one, but I didn't get the chance and that's fine.
"I certainly haven't given up hope of getting my spot back."
In the meantime Shillington will turn his attention to Saturday's clash against St George Illawarra where he'll face sacked former teammate Josh Dugan.
"We knew when he left here it would come back to bite us in some way," he said.
"He's playing some great footy. Hopefully he doesn't play too well against us next week."
Meanwhile, Raiders coach David Furner said he was hoping to find out on Monday whether the NRL would permit Dugan's buddy Blake Ferguson to play in the fixture.
Ferguson has been out of action with the Raiders since being charged with indecent assault on June 18 following a drinking session with Dugan.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
"Im hoping so. I think enough's been said, so we just have to wait," Furner said.
"I know the reports (from the specialists) were handed in on Friday, so they'll be making a decision and I'm hoping that'll be the case."
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