Rauhihi Keen To Regain Test Spot

North Queensland's Kiwis test prop Paul Rauhihi hopes a strong performance against a Kangaroo-laden Brisbane pack will help force him into contention for the trans-Tasman international next Friday.

The former New Zealand Maori World Cup representative believes he has not yet done enough to earn a place but believes an impressive showing against the likes of Shane Webcke and Petero Civoniceva may give him a shot at adding to his seven Kiwis caps.

"I have to be honest ? I played well against the Sharks (last weekend) but apart from that I've had a slow start to the year.

"I haven't been playing well and the team was losing which didn't help."

The Cowboys' victory at Cronulla was their first of the season but history says they will struggle at home this round against their state rivals.

Brisbane have not lost to the Cowboys since North Queensland joined the competition in 1995 and coach Graham Murray will need a big performance from Rauhihi to end the drought.

"He played great against the Sharks and that's how we expect him to play every week," Murray said.

Rauhihi considered the Broncos' pack one of the benchmarks of the competition.

"If I perform against guys like Gordie (Gorden Tallis) and Webcke maybe the selectors will take notice."

Rauhihi missed last October's 30-16 victory in Auckland through injury but had previously been a fixture in the front row since his debut against the Kangaroos in 2001.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Warriors' form slump will not necessarily translate to an Anzac weekend thumping at Newcastle's EnergyAustralia Stadium, according to Kiwis candidates at other NRL clubs.

"When it comes to tests everyone lifts," said Penrith second-rower Joe Galuvao, who is certain to feature in the 17-man squad barring injury against St George Illawarra on Sunday.

"Whatever side New Zealand fields it's going to be strong."

Former Kiwis skipper Stephen Kearney, who is vying for a second row spot, expected the Auckland-based contingent to lift in time for the test.

"The fact they're not playing as they'd like is a bit of a concern but they've got a game (vs the Bulldogs) this week and I'm certain once they get into camp they'll be up for it," the Melbourne Storm captain told a Rugby League magazine.

Kearney is sitting on 44 test appearances, two behind world record holder and former Kiwis halfback Gary Freeman.

He also missed last October's triumph at North Harbour Stadium due to a groin injury and will be anxious his last test appearance is not the 6-48 drubbing inflicted by the Kangaroos at Aussie Stadium last July.