Kiwis coach Michael Maguire believes Shaun Johnson hasn't played his last game for the team, despite the halfback being dropped for June's test against Tonga.
Maguire has named eight potential debutants in a 25-man squad that will assemble in Auckland next week.
Johnson will have his work cut out for him to regain his spot in such a deep squad, with NRL talent aplenty.
He's been an anchor for the side over the last 10 years, but will have to fight his way back to a black and white jersey.
Maguire hopes Johnson can overcome his club difficulties, with his lack of form for the Warriors prompting reports in recent weeks he could potentially retire at the end of this year.
"Whether or not you're at the start of your career or at the other end, you're always being challenged, he's facing that challenge and what's ahead of him," Maguire said.
Warriors coach and Kiwis assistant Stacey Jones echoed Maguire's comments.
"He wants to try and play some good footy for the Warriors first and the rest will take care of itself, he'd be the first to acknowledge that," Jones said.
Maguire expects the 31 test veteran to bounce back, and he's adamant fans will still see the very best of him.
"No reasons why we can't. For a player of his calibre and knowing what he's capable of, he'll work his way through his next 10 games and find his form," he said.
Johnson's omission has opened the door for standout Parramatta Eels halfback Dylan Brown, who is expected to form a formidable spine with Melbourne Storm's Jahrome Hughes and hooker Brandon Smith.
Roosters star Joey Manu is also expected to play at fullback against Tonga.
"Joey's a very special talent and I have no doubt in years to come we'll be talking about Joey and the Kiwi jersey. It's just unfortunate we haven't had test matches over the past couple of years," Maguire said.
Maguire admits he's been blown away with how his players have developed in the last two years with eight new faces in the squad spelling a new dawn for the Kiwis.
"I think everyone can see there's many players coming out of New Zealand. It's really across the game now. The depths of what we have within the sections of the Kiwi team is getting greater," Maguire said.
"We've got a good crop of younger players coming in as you can see from the list of players we have there. It's exciting we've got the senior guys but the next crop of young men coming through is quite exciting.
Cronulla Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is another who has been named in the Kiwis squad. The dual eligible superstar has been one of the form players in the NRL.
"I've been fortunate to have a relationship with Ronaldo over quite some time. He's gone and performed really well. There was a fair bit of noise presented around which way he would go," Maguire said.
"Every time I've spoken to Ronaldo he's been very keen to represent the Kiwis and now he's going to get the opportunity. It's a childhood dream of his."
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