Canberra Raiders prop David Shillington insists he's not a spent force in the NRL, vowing to prove he's worthy of a recall when he makes his expected return from injury next weekend.
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A broken thumb, which required surgery, came at a bad time for the former representative star, who is off contract at the end of the season.
It's unlikely Shillington will remain in Canberra next year, given he was dropped to NSW Cup before his injury and the Raiders are looking for salary cap space to potentially accommodate Kangaroos prop James Tamou.
But it is understood Shillington has NRL options. He has been linked to the Dragons after marquee forward Trent Merrin moves to Penrith at the end of the season, while Manly is keen to boost its front row stocks.
Shillington's wife Sonia is due to give birth to their second child in five weeks.
"It's all a bit up in the air at the moment what's going to happen after this season. I really have no choice but to bide my time," Shillington said.
"It feels like a long wait because I've always re-signed or signed quite early and had that security.
"I don't have that privilege this time but I have to ride it out, show everyone I'm still up to it and see where it takes me.
"Getting injured and being out of contract isn't a great combo but I couldn't control it.
"I haven't lost any confidence, motivation or desire, I'm raring to go and still confident in my ability. I still think I'm up for it."
Shillington is confident he will be available for selection for Canberra's next match against Gold Coast on May 9 after returning to team training on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old was in strong form last year before a chest injury ended his season.
Canberra's front row has undergone a massive overhaul in recent years, with Brett White (retired), Dane Tilse (Hull KR) and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Melbourne) all gone. Shillington said it was warranted, with the emergence of youngsters such as Paul Vaughan and Shannon Boyd.
"The Raiders probably needed a change in the front row, we were stacked pretty heavy there salary cap-wise, and with age and experience," Shillington said.
"We've always had a pretty inexperienced backline, but it's starting to change now to a young front row and more experienced backs.
"I feel I can play for at least two more years [in the NRL] to be honest, aside from a couple of unfortunate injuries I don't have any niggles which have slowed me down.
"I can't really comment too much on potential contract stuff. I've got a number of options I can take and whether it's here or somewhere else, two more years of playing would be good."
Manager Andrew Purcell said talks had been stalled until Shillington returned from injury.
The veteran of eight Origins for Queensland and 14 Tests with Australia attracted interest from Hull Kingston Rovers, but that was dashed when Tilse signed with the UK Super League club.
"Fingers crossed he can take the field next week, that's all we're worried about yet," Purcell said.
"We're not talking to anyone at the moment, it's gone quiet a bit because he hasn't been playing.
"He wants to get his feet under the desk for Canberra and do his best there."
