With his role at the Blues increasingly uncertain, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is fast running out of time to stake a claim in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad.
And it's raised the possibility of his impending code switch being fast-tracked.
On Saturday, the midfielder was left out of his side's loss to the Crusaders, prompting calls from former players and fans for the former Dally M Player of the Year to be released and rejoin NZ Warriors this year.
On Sunday, former All Black and Blues coach Sir John Kirwan made the case for an early return to the 13-man code.
"If Roger feels like he's not going to make the All Blacks, or he's not getting the opportunities and he goes back to the Warriors next week, it's a win-win for everyone," Sir John said on Sky Sport's The Breakdown.
"It's not failure, it just didn't work. He's still an All Black, he can take that.
"He's had a lot of bad luck, but if he was playing for the Warriors in the next couple of weeks, it's just a win-win."
Since confirming his return to the Warriors, Tuivasa-Sheck has featured just once for the Blues, and has appeared to lose his spot to Harry Plummer in the No.12 jersey.
But despite any frustration, Newshub sources within New Zealand Rugby say there has been no indication or discussion with 29-year-old Tuivasa-Sheck or his team about being released from his contract - and they'd be stunned if that was to change.
You don't have to look back far for why, either.
Tuivasa-Sheck has struggled recently through form and injury, but just last month, when he explained his reasoning for returning to league, he was clear in his intentions.
Several times he said "that's next season" reinforcing his commitment to the Blues, a point reinforced by coach Leon MacDonald.
Newshub understands that's still the case, and Tuivasa-Sheck wants to see out his NZR contract.
As far as the Warriors are concerned, it's understood they haven't approached him either to sound out an early return nor have they heard from him.
Tuivasa-Sheck is still incredibly determined to perform in union and knows he needs to do that if he is to make the World Cup squad.
That begins with just getting back into the Blues' 23 this weekend against the Reds.
