Off-contract NZ Warriors duo Adam Keighran and Nathaniel Roache both hope for crucial game-time to push for new deals for the 2021 NRL season.
Keighran played once this year, before the coronavirus-enforced shutdown, while Roache has been sidelined since June last year.
While players like Gerard Beale and Lachlan Burr have been told to look for new clubs, Keighran and Roache both want to remain in Auckland.
Keighran was in line to return last weekend against Canterbury Bulldogs, but a training accident resulted in a broken nose, concussion and a tooth through the lip, resulting in more time on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old is targeting a return next weekend against Parramatta Eels and admits his contract situation is preying on his mind.
"It's definitely in the back of my mind, but I'm playing a waiting game at the moment and can't catch a break," he says.
"It's not my strong suit to be looking anywhere at the moment, because I haven't been on the field.
"I'm trying to get myself right and get on the field to prove [myself] to the Warriors first and then, if not, another club at a future stage."
Keighran's return would likely come in the centres, where he was named in the 2018 New South Wales Cup Team of the Year. He has also had times in the halves and at hooker in a utility role.
"It is a strength of mine to play different positions and if I'm on the field, it's a good thing for me."
Roache has worked his way through the Warriors system, but since making his 2016 debut, injuries have limited him to just 26 appearances.
Roache may have a tougher time getting on the field, with the Warriors' depth at hooker, where Karl Lawton is in career-best form and Wayde Egan provides impact off the bench.
The 24-year-old targets a return for the final three games of the season, but knows his hardest job will be getting picked.
Interim coach Todd Payten says he wants to give every player at least one game to recognise the sacrifices they've made this year.
"Karl has stepped it up," says Roache. "His running game is good and defensively, he's strong.
"Wayde is a crafty hooker and he's done a good job too, but it does make my job harder. My job is to make sure my body is ready just in case, because you never know what will happen.
Roache stresses the importance of game time and believes he still has plenty to offer.
"It is pretty important," he says. "it's hard to get an opportunity when you haven't played in so long.
"Just getting a game - or at least proving that I can get through some games this year - would help.
"It's something I can't control, but when I do get the opportunity, I hope I grab it with both hands.
"Realistically, I know where I'm at, having been away from the game for so long, so it's potentially going to have to be that.
"But I want to play, get my body right and whatever option comes, I'll keep on going until this body is completely broken down."
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