It's been over 18 months since his last Hurricanes start, but Dane Coles isn't letting getting back in the No.2 jersey for tomorrow night's clash with the Crusaders get to him.
In fact, he's not even worrying about selections for the Rugby World Cup later this year.
After a successful return to the pitch with Wellington and the All Blacks at the end of last year, Coles is keeping his rugby goals simple in 2019.
"I just want to play a lot of footy, week in and week out."
Coles missed the entire 2018 Super Rugby season after he picked up a serious knee injury in the All Blacks' end-of-year tour in 2017.
The 32-year-old announced last month he had decided to stay in New Zealand until at least the end of 2021 as he missed the feeling of wearing a Hurricanes jersey in 2018.
"[My return from injury] did seem a bit far away last year," he said.
"I had to pinch myself even last week just being amongst the boys and putting that jersey on.
"I suppose all that stuff I went through last year and the last couple of years, it makes it all worth it.
"I've just got a job to do now, go out and lead the boys."
Despite the World Cup looming at the end of the year, Coles isn't feeling any pressure to prove himself for the tournament either.
"I'm sure you'll hear a lot of All Blacks saying it but if I can [perform each week], things will take care of themselves and then hopefully the selectors will see that and give me another chance.
"I'm just going to cherish every moment that I get to play with my teammates and put that jersey on."
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