As another test veteran to have committed his future in New Zealand, Anton Lienert-Brown insists he's up for the fight of trying to win a spot in the All Blacks' midfield.
On Tuesday, NZ Rugby announced Lienert-Brown, 28, had re-signed through to the end of 2026, making him the latest player to buck the off-shore trend by choosing to remain in Aotearoa after this year's World Cup.
But with the World Cup still to come, all contenders will have to prove themselves worthy of a spot in coach Ian Foster's plans to head to France later this year.
For Lienert-Brown, that competition will primarily come in the form of Jordie Barrett, David Havili and Rieko Ioane, with the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor and even Leicester Fainga'anuku lurking.
As a senior All Black, Lienert-Brown's 60 test caps make him the most experienced midfielder available to Foster for this year, and potentially beyond.
But while the battle for a spot in the All Blacks midfield is limited to two starters and another two in reserve, Lienert-Brown isn't weighed down by the fight on his hands.
"As someone that loves competing, I know it's a hot battle for that position," Lienert-Brown told Newshub.
"I'm hungry to give it my best crack. I totally respect all the players fighting for that jersey.
"All I can do is give it my all."
Potentially aiding Lienert-Brown's future cause could be Scott Robertson's arrival, taking the reins from Foster next year.
Lienert-Brown was part of Robertson's under 20s 'Baby Blacks' side that claimed World Cup glory in Italy in 2015.
But while the personal connection between the two is in place, Robertson played no part in convincing Lienert-Brown to stay.
What's more, the growing list of players to re-sign - notably in midfield - will leave a logjam of players fighting for spots, as the future under Robertson takes shape.
"He's an awesome coach," he added. "[But] at the end of the day, it's not your relationship with coaches that will get you picked in the team - it's how you play.
"If I'm playing my best, I back myself to be in the frame."
Lienert-Brown also says there was no thought of entertaining offers from overseas, despite being able to command a lucrative financial return than what he's re-signed for.
All up, the desire to compete with his compatriots remained the deciding factor in keeping him at home for the next three years.
"My priority was to stay here in New Zealand. I'm still 28 and I think I'm young enough to give it a good crack.
"You're competing with some of the best players in the world here in New Zealand.
"I know overseas there's great players as well, but I love a challenge.
"But I wasn't ready to go and take the money, I want to still compete here - that's what I love doing."
