After nearly walking away from rugby league altogether, NZ Kiwis half Kieran Foran isn't taking his time back in the test setup for granted.
Foran, 32, has endured a torrid time of injuries in the past few NRL seasons, with separate back ankle, shoulder hamstring and foot issues steering him towards early retirement.
But a return to Manly Sea Eagles in 2021 has seen Foran rediscover the touch of old, playing his way back into Michael Maguire's Kiwis squad at the expense of the likes of Shaun Johnson and Kodi Nikorima.
In fact, Foran's start at halfback in New Zealand's 34-12 World Cup opening win over Lebanon was his first appearance in a Kiwis jersey since 2019 - when he was forced from the field against Great Britain Lions with a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the 2020 season altogether.
The odds-on favourite to feature for the Kiwis in their second World Cup group match, against Jamaica in Hull, Foran wants to continue what he's started, as New Zealand push for a second World Cup title.
"It's great to be back in amongst this environment, surrounded by so many world-class players," said Foran.
"It's always an absolute privilege and honour to represent your country. To be out there playing in another test match is something I'm very proud of.
"I'm looking to build on my performance from last week."
The Kiwis are hoping to improve dramatically from their first display, which saw Lebanon match New Zealand blow for blow until fullback Joseph Manu took control in the second half.
But with that rust starting to ease, Foran says the Kiwis will be better for the experience of being tested first up.
"In terms of our standards we've got, and the sort of team we want to be in this campaign, we were probably disappointed in the way we performed," he added.
"It's a good game to get those cobwebs out of the way and reassess, and look at what we need to do better for the next game."
The Kiwis weren't the only heavyweight side to be given a tough time in the opening round of games.
Pre-tournament dark horses Samoa were convincingly humbled by hosts England, while 2017 darlings Tonga only scraped past Papua New Guinea with a last-gasp try.
And for Foran, the displays so far come as no surprise as the international game fights for relevance in the club-dominated rugby league landscape.
"Everyone's very proud to be representing their countries," he said. "You can see that in all the performances so far.
"I don't think it's going to get any easier. It's going to continue to really be a challenge.
"We're right up for it, and I'm sure we'll get on with the job."
Check out the Rugby League World Cup live on Spark Sport or free-to-air on Three, or join Newshub for live updates of the Kiwis campaign
