He began the year as Canberra's fourth-string hooker but Kurt Baptiste's stunning display in Sunday's victory over Wests Tigers has increased the pressure on dumped rakes Glen Buttriss and Josh McCrone.
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Shoulder injuries have restricted Baptiste to 11 NRL games since his debut for Brisbane in 2011, but he was vital in helping the Raiders reverse a 22-0 deficit and secure their greatest comeback win.
His strong display off the bench, which included a no-look pass to set up a Frank-Paul Nu'uausala try, has only made things tougher for Buttriss and McCrone.
Buttriss is off contract after this season while McCrone, contracted until the end of 2017, was dropped after round three.
Baptiste had a second surgery on the same shoulder he hurt at Brisbane after playing five games for Canberra last year, which he admitted was a tough period mentally.
He isn't in Canberra's top 25 squad and wondered if his chance had passed him by, but said coach Ricky Stuart's faith in handing him a new two-year deal gave him the belief he needed.
His rise is a victory for perseverance and he wants to make his third chance count.
"It was [tough]. When it [injury] initially happened I was pretty disappointed," Baptiste said.
"He [Stuart] gave me a lot of confidence though, he signed me after I did my shoulder.
"I was pretty happy with how I went [against the Tigers], there's a few hookers in the squad and there's always going to be competition there.
"You've just got to hope the opportunity comes and keep playing well. I was a bit unlucky with injury but my shoulder's feeling pretty good at the moment, I'm glad to be back."
The Raiders have struggled for impact this year when first choice hooker Josh Hodgson has left the field, but the Englishman believes Baptiste can solve the issue.
"He came on and really lifted the game for us, he upped the tempo and set up a nice try for Frank," Hodgson said.
"We've got some great hookers at this club and it's keeping all of us on our toes.
"I've had a couple of good wins with Hull but I don't think anything quite as good as that.
"It was certainly a morale booster in terms of the belief and determination we've got here.
"Judging by looking at the team last year and a couple of years gone, the belief was maybe lost a bit in a few of the lads, especially the young ones."
Baptiste forced his way into the NRL with a handful of man-of-the-match displays for Mounties, and wants to make the most of his third chance.
"I just did my best to give the team a bit of impact off the bench there. Ricky told me before the game to just bring energy to the team and just play my game," he said.
"I played a couple of games last year and then I got injured. I'm glad I got an opportunity this early, hopefully I can keep building on my game."
Baptiste insisted he never lost faith in his ability playing NSW Cup and was always optimistic another NRL lifeline would come if his form warranted.
"I don't find it too hard, it's been happening my whole career now. I'm used to it and at Mounties I just try and play the best I can and give myself every chance to play in the [NRL] team if the opportunity comes," he said.
"That came last week, I try and take my opportunity when it arises."
SUNDAY
NRL round eight: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canberra Raiders at Barlow Park, Cairns, 4pm
TV: Live on Channel Nine
