Matt Gordon is the first to admit it ... he's been living in two different worlds this week.
One is with his Havelock North premier rugby side preparing for Saturday's Maddison Trophy final against Hastings Rugby and Sports at Napier's McLean Park. The other is with the Hawke's Bay Magpiesteam who have been preparing for today's pre-season clash against the Bay of Plenty Steamers in Whakatane.
Gordon, 23, knows its the last chance for himself and fellow winger Brynn Uriarau, who has also been on the injured list since the Magpies' July 18 trial in Waipukurau, to stake a claim for the third winger's berth before the Magpies ITM Cup squad is announced on Friday.
"It sure is and we've been working hard. While we've all been working together, we've been putting pressure on each other too," said Gordon before returning to work as a yardman for Tumu ITM in Havelock North after yesterday's Captain's Run.
The Crusaders' Zac Guildford and the Chiefs' Tino Nemani will have two of the wingers berths in the Cup squad and the third is wide open.
"It's a case of doing what is best for the team first and by doing that we might push ourselves into contention. We've all been working on the little things and it will be up to Danny to decide what the best fit is," Gordon said referring to Magpies assistant coach Danny Lee.
"Obviously with Zac [Guildford] missing out on the All Blacks there is more pressure. I thought Zac was unlucky," said Gordon, who has recovered from a quad tear.
With Hurricanes utility back Richard Buckman out of action until the final week of the ITM Cup, Magpies coach Craig Philpott has added Wainuiomata centre Marvin Karawana to his squad and Karawana, 26, will get game time off the bench today.
"Marvin will give us more options for the No 13 jersey. With his league background, Marvin is a good offloader and a direct runner on attack," Philpott said.
As an 18-year-old, Karawana left Wainuiomata for the Canterbury Bulldogs. From there he was recruited by the Newcastle Knights and during five injury-ridden seasons he played 33 games for the Knights before returning home to play union for Wainuiomata this year.
Unavailable because of injuries for today are Hurricanes flanker Karl Lowe (calf strain), prop Jodi Allen and lock/No8 Kieran Coll (both hamstring concerns) and first five-eighth Dan Waenga who is still recovering from his bout of concussion.
