But after Waerea-Hargreaves outshone a test rival for the second time this season, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney must be sitting up and taking notice.
He was a standout in the Roosters' 24-2 trouncing of Melbourne in round 12 when he out-played Jesse Bromwich.
Having not played in a black jumper since New Zealand's loss in the 2013 World Cup final, he is now eyeing a return to the fold for their end-of-season tour of England.
Asked if he felt like he was getting back to test form, he said: "I'd like to hope so. One of my goals for the season is to get back in that black jersey at the end of the year.
"For me, I grow confidence off team performances and getting out there and getting wins on the scoreboard."
- AAP