For much of the 22-week spell Joe Rokocoko spent on the sidelines nursing his damaged wrist, he had one thing on his mind, and that is to get back in the All Blacks.

With All Blacks coach Graham Henry rating the winger, with 43 test tries in 48 international appearances, an extreme long shot to feature in the Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane next weekend, Rokocoko has dedicated himself to helping turn around the fortunes of a struggling Auckland side.

But the fractured cheekbone that has ruled Anthony Tuitavake out of Brisbane may see Rokocoko back in black ahead of schedule.

However, Rokocoko admits that scenario wasn't something he had completely given up hope on, although the end-of-year tour to Europe still looks like a more realistic prospect.