Bradford captain Robbie Paul says he has not thrown in the towel on his international career with New Zealand. The 29-year-old half-back was dropped by his country for the final group match of the 2004 Tri-Nations series.
But after helping the Bulls to victory over Leeds in the Super League Grand Final on Saturday, Paul wants to return to the international stage.
"I always make myself available for the New Zealand team, I love playing for my country," he said.
 |  I had to go up to my room and put Friends on to take my mind off rugby because I was so charged |
"I love playing on the international stage. At the end of the day, they've got to work out what's best for the New Zealand team.
"If they ask me, of course I will play for them. If not, I will support them as I've always done."
New Zealand opened this season's Tri-Nations campaign with a shock 38-28 win over holders Australia in Sydney.
Paul watched the game before the taking the field at Old Trafford and says the victory left him on a high ahead of his sixth Grand Final appearance.
"It was awesome," he said. "I was so pumped up from 12.30 in the afternoon, I had to bring myself down again.
"I had to go up to my room and put Friends on to take my mind off rugby because I was so charged. I jumped up to do the Haka at the end, it was crazy.
"It would have been good to have been out there but I wouldn't have sacrificed what we did at Old Trafford. It was something special."
Paul was one of four British-based Kiwis added to the New Zealand squad a year ago and won his 27th cap in the 24-20 win over France last November.
Bradford team-mates Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape, along with Leeds second rower Ali Lauitiiti, are expected to feature for New Zealand now that their club commitments are over.
However, Paul's inclusion could depend on whether scrum-half Stacey Jones decides to once more extend his international career.
MMIX
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