HOW soon do you need me?

That’s the questions injured Canberra centre Joey Leilua needs Test coach Mal Meninga to ask before announcing his Four Nations squad on Monday.

The Dally M Centre of the Year is nursing a hamstring injury which would see him racing the clock for the October 15 Test against New Zealand in Perth.

While the injury would make it unlikely he’ll be right to place in two weeks, Leilua has been active and declared himself fit come the Four Nations.

But whether Meninga is willing to give Leilua until the end of October remains to be seen.

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“If he wants fit people to play I can’t do anything. It’s up to Mal,” Leilua told foxsports.com.au.

“I strained it so I’ll be out for two to three weeks.

“I can’t sprint yet so I’ll rehab. I’ll train but not crazy intense.

“If I get selected in the Kangaroos, I’ll put my hand up and do as much physio as I can so I can play.

Joey Leilua of the Raiders hugs Jordan Rapana after he scores a try. Source: AAP

“It would mean the world.

“I was part of the schoolboys when I was younger, under 18s and I loved it. To represent Australia it would mean a lot to me. Every time I hear the anthem it kind of hurt because I have that feeling that I want to be part of it and I can’t wait to play for them.”

Last week Leilua was named in the train-on-squad for the upcoming tournament.

It was a breakout season for the 24-year-old who joined the Raiders mid-last season from Newcastle.

Since arriving in the nation’s capital, Leilua has fast established himself as one of the premier centres in the game.

Under the tutelage of Ricky Stuart, this season was a standout.

Joseph Leilua of the Raiders stands in a tackle. Source: AAP

Leilua finished the year with a whopping 125 tackle busts, 17 line break assists, 15 line breaks and 11 tries.

His work rate was exceptional.

He produced 70 offloads and averaged 121 metres per game.

“I knew it was going to be a better year but I never knew it was going to be a breakout season,” he said.

“I put in the hard work in the pre-season and I know now you need to put in the hard work to get what you deserve.

“This year I put it all on the line in the pre-season and I made the team of the year. I’m grateful for that.”

This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

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