Hale has been troubled by a back injury in recent weeks - a complaint that has kept him out of the team for Friday night’s crucial clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
However, the Kangaroos hope their 201cm forward can return to the form that less than two years ago made him one of the league’s most exciting attacking prospects.
Hale managed a more-than-respectable 17 goals from the opening seven matches but has been held goalless in his past three outings.
Last week against the Brisbane Lions he managed just five disposals and gave away three free kicks.
Rawlings admitted the 26-year-old might have been low on confidence but said few acknowledged the little things he was doing off the ball.
“The thing about Haley that probably not a lot of people would realise [is] how much he works for the team,” Rawlings told kangaroos.com.au.
“He does a lot of things that get highlighted in our reviews that most supporters don’t see.
“He’s very team-oriented and that might end up costing him a couple of marks here and there, but he’ll always do what’s best for the team in terms of our set-ups ... that probably gets overlooked by a lot people.”
Two years ago it seemed Hale had the footy world at his feet - and opposition defenders on their toes.
Late in 2008 the Queenslander almost single-handedly led North Melbourne to a surprise win at Skilled Stadium.
He picked up three Brownlow Medal votes when he kicked eight goals against Geelong. Hale’s opponents that day included Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor and Darren Milburn.
He wasn’t able to rediscover that form on a consistent basis last season, booting 22 goals from 16 matches.
However, Rawlings believes the wheel will turn for his hard-working teammate.
"There’s no reason why he can’t [get back to his best]," he said.
"He’s shown in the past he’s got the ability to mark and goal, so I’d back the big fella in every day of the week.
"He does everything right during the week and he’s very team-oriented, so I think things will end up turning around for him."
While Hale has been suffering from a back injury, another of the Kangaroos’ most important players is facing a weekly injury concern.
Rawlings said Daniel Wells, who is managing a groin complaint, got through training this week and the Roos would look to give the ball to their most dynamic midfielder.
"He’s got ongoing things that he has to keep on top of, but once he’s out there he’s right to go," Rawlings said.
"When he’s up and about through the midfield he’s hard to stop, so the more times we can get it in his hands, the better off we’re going to be."
