Frizell was forced to shoulder a heavy load last season, at times called upon to shift from the the edge and add some much-need punch in the middle of the park. It’s a role he hasn’t had to reprise this season, with the likes of Paul Vaughan, Jack de Belin and Russell Packer all starting the season in career-best form.

It’s seen Vaughan and de Belin make a compelling case for NSW selection, while Packer is knocking on the door of a Test recall six years after first donning the Kiwi jumper.

Frizell is odds-on to retain his Australian jumper for the upcoming mid-season Test but it hasn’t been a focus for him in the Dragons 6-1 start to the year.

“I I haven’t really thought too much about rep footy,” Frizell said.

“I go into each year trying not to think about that and that’s kind of worked for me. It’s in the back of your mind but it doesn’t drive you to play good footy, doing well [for the Dragons] is what drives you.

“Hopefully when that time comes around I can retain a spot in that [Australian] side because I’d love nothing more. When that time comes hopefully I do get that opportunity again.”

He is also a virtual lock for NSW given his performance in last year’s series and, asked if Vaughan or de Belin would look out of place in a blue jumper Frizell said: “Absolutely not, particularly in the form those two guys are in and you look at Russell as well.

“He hasn’t really been spoken about as much but he certainly wouldn’t look out of place in a New Zealand jersey.

“He’s been playing awesome footy ever since he’s come back from his time away from the game. He was player of the year at Cutters level [in 2015] and then came in and was one of our best forwards last year. 

“He’s started this year really well so it wouldn’t surprise me. Hopefully he does get that opportunity again because he definitely does deserve it.”

“I’d love to play for my country again,” Packer said.

“They’ve got a lot of good boys that have done a really good job for New Zealand over the years so if any of those guys get injured or they want to pick me, I certainly wouldn’t turn down that jersey.

“But it’s an old cliche, a week’s a long time in footy, you never know what’s around the corner so my main focus is just on playing hard every week for the Dragons.”

The Dragons big men will get another chance to press their rep claims in Tuesday’s Anzac Day blockbuster against the Roosters, a match Packer describes as a privilege to play in.

“I played in this game last year and I played a number of Anzac Day games in Melbourne v Warriors and it’s such a special occasion for both our countries,” Packer said.

“There’s a lot of history around the day and it’s a good way to honour our servicemen and to celebrate it with a big game between the Roosters versus Dragons. This time last year we were both towards the bottom of the ladder but this year it’s two teams in great form and it’s going to be a cracker.”