He's still available if required but NSW skipper Danny Buderus admits he's given up hope of ever wearing the green and gold again.

Due to head to England to take up a three-year deal with Leeds next year, Buderus said he would be more than happy to delay his departure to take part in this year's World Cup.

But with the insurmountable figure of incumbent and Queensland rival Cameron Smith standing in his way, Buderus knows a 25th Test cap is highly unlikely.

Having come to that realisation, Buderus believes he is now reaping the rewards of playing without the pressure of trying to prove himself to Test selectors, as he admits he was trying to do last year.

"I probably got a bit caught up trying to get my Australian jersey back," Buderus said.

"I know that's out of my reach at the moment.

"My number one goal is just to play for NSW and get that trophy back and play as good as I can."

Asked if he would make himself available for the World Cup should injury or a monumental loss of form beset Smith, Buderus said:

"Yeah, I would be available but I'm more really thinking I just want to play well for the next three games."

Buderus gift-wrapped Smith his first Test jersey back in 2006 when the Knights hooker made himself unavailable for the end of season Tri-Nations tournament due to the impending birth of his first child.

Smith hasn't looked back since and now seems set for a long run in the Test No.9 jumper that may see him one day eclipse Buderus's 24 Tests.

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