PROP Semi Cakau is willing to fight for his spot in the Fiji Bati side despite being injured.
The 27-year-old was part of the Bati side that toured Papua New Guinea last year.
The Makoi Bulldogs captain was injured early in the Vodafone Cup final against Sabeto Roosters two weeks ago.
His head-to-head collision with a Roosters player resulted in a cut above his eye which required 18 stitches.
Cakau, who can also play in the second row, will feature for East as a reserve in the annual State of Origin clash against West at Ra.
He said even though he had not fully recovered, he would put his body on the line time and time again to prove his worth to national selectors.
"It will not be an easy job to retain my jersey in the national team," Cakau said.
"I know everybody, both here in Fiji and overseas, are targeting a spot in the national team because of the Rugby League World Cup next year," he said.
"I also want to represent Fiji at the World Cup and I am willing to do anything to achieve that."
Cakau was instrumental in helping his Fair Trade-sponsored side win the Vodafone Cup for the first time since the club was formed 10 years ago.
He said he thought his career was over for the year when he sustained the injury in the final on September 15.
"Blood was pouring down my face and at first I did not feel pain but in my mind I was thinking I will not be able to play for the rest of the year.
"But I was fortunate that the injury was not that big and I am recovering well and I would like to prove myself to the coaches and also I think with the way the season ran, I think everybody deserves a chance," Cakau said.
East faces West today at 2pm at the Ra Sport Centre in Rakiraki.