From there, Southee was solid, if not spectacular, for the next few years, battling with Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin and, for one test, Shane Bond for game time.
This was reflected in his test statistics, averaging just over 40 runs per wicket until the 2012-13 season.
His limited overs credentials were never questioned, highlighted by 18 wickets at the 2011 World Cup, but much like the Black Caps at the time, he didn't live up to the pundits' expectations at test level.
Then a change occurred.
New Zealand got rolled by South Africa for 45, prompting then-captain Brendon McCullum to change the attitude of the underperforming side.
He anointed Southee as the leader of the bowling pack. Southee, supported by Trent Boult, went on a tear and spearheaded a resurgent New Zealand team.
He took his first 10-wicket haul at Lord's against England in 2013, becoming the first New Zealander to do so since Dion Nash back in 1994.
Southee then led New Zealand to their first overseas series win against major opposition in 12 years when they beat the West Indies in 2014, taking 11 wickets across the series.
The tall opening bowler epitomises what was great about New Zealand cricket under McCullum and coach Mike Hesson, and continues to be under Kane Williamson: he is hard-working, shows leadership, and consistently provides fielding brilliance.
His most memorable performance of late was during the 2015 World Cup. Opening their campaign against England, Southee swept the rug from under their feet with one of the great spells of swing bowling.
His career-best ODI figures of 7 for 33 were met with rapturous applause and standing ovations whenever he went back to fine leg.
On a list of top test wicket-takers for New Zealand, Southee trails four men: Sir Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori, Chris Martin and Chris Cairns.
When he inevitably passes Martin and Cairns (he only needs 64 to pass Martin into third), he will go down as our second best pace bowler ever.
Higher, even, than Shane Bond, who could have been our greatest had he not unfortunately succumbed to injuries. And, at 27, what's to stop Southee becoming the best bowler in the world?
