Matt McIlwrick was not being selected in the NRL, so the Canberra Raiders utility chose himself.
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McIlwrick's decision to switch his focus from hooker to the back row in the past two months has helped catapult him from the NSW Cup into the New Zealand train-on squad for this year's Four Nations tournament.
The 23-year-old had only played two NRL matches this season in the first 21 rounds until he confided in coach Ricky Stuart about his desire to switch from hooker to the back row.
The move paid off almost immediately, McIlwrick playing the past five NRL games with the Raiders and bringing him back to the attention of Kiwi selectors.
McIlwrick represented the Junior Kiwis as a hooker in 2010, alongside NRL stars Shaun Johnson, Martin Taupau and Jason Taumalolo. But he is convinced his future is now at lock.
"The focus on two positions was taking its toll on me," McIlwrick said. "I was always in two minds whether I wanted to play hooker or lock, and I think it was affecting the way I was playing because I was worrying about two positions and trying to learn both.
"I've always enjoyed the freedom of lock, to be able to run and tackle, and I kind of made the decision that I just wanted to focus on lock from now on.
"I had a chat to Ricky and some other [Raiders] coaches. They thought it might suit me better too, so we went down that line. A couple of weeks later I got my opportunity to play lock in first grade. It's paid off and I've found a new love for the game."
McIlwrick is one of 11 uncapped Kiwis in the New Zealand train-on squad, while St George Illawarra Dragons half Benji Marshall was the notable omission.
McIlwrick would have faced strong competition in the hooking role at the Raiders next year, the club signing Super League rake Josh Hodgson to join Glen Buttriss, Josh McCrone and Kurt Baptiste. The club rivalry is no less intense in the back row, with the lock position sewn up by Shaun Fensom.
"We've obviously got Shaun Fensom at the club and he's unbelievable, so in the off-season I want to learn as much as possible from him," McIlwrick said.
McIlwrick said he planned to continue training with Raiders teammates Jack Wighton, Jarrod Croker and Josh Papalii, who have been chosen in the Australia train-on squad.
"They always pay me out about being Kiwi; it's probably a good chance to get on top of them," McIlwrick said.
The Raiders will have their annual presentation on Wednesday night, with Croker favourite to win the Mal Meninga Medal as player's player.
