Pete Samu admits he was "gutted" with a hamstring injury that may have ended his bid for a World Cup campaign with the Wallabies.
Samu was ruled out of the Brumbies' semi-final campaign earlier this year following a hamstring injury that also kept him out of the Wallabies' squad for the Rugby Championship.
To then be left out of Michael Cheika's 31-man World Cup was a hammer blow for the player lured back from the Crusaders by the head coach to ensure his eligibility for the Japan campaign.
Plenty of players would have been tempted to take an extended break to deal with the disappointment. But Samu has channeled his energy into the Canberra Viking's NRC season in a move that could help deliver a premiership to the capital.
"I was a bit gutted with the injury but that's footy. You've just got to roll with it and keep going," Samu said.
"They (Brumbies) tried to fast-track me back to play had we made the final, possibly playing that game but we obviously went down in the semi, so I think the next thing was trying to get back for maybe the Wallabies.
"To be honest, I didn't really see myself playing NRC but not getting picked in the Wallabies, it was me playing footy, so that was the best option for me, to play NRC and I'm really enjoying NRC at the moment as well.
"It's a good bunch of boys and we're going pretty well this season."
Samu, who was also unavailable for an early Wallabies camp, was considered unlucky by many to miss the World Cup. He reluctantly conceded he didn't get a lot of feedback after his Wallabies omission but after a good chat with Brumbies coach Dan McKellar refocussed on the NRC as early preparation for the Brumbies' 2020 Super Rugby campaign.
"I had chats to Dan and with the World Cup squad being named, I still had hopes that I would be injury cover if someone went down but I think the focus now is next season with the Brumbies," Samu said.
"Playing footy was what I really wanted to do, so having the NRC season was a real bonus.
"It's good quality football and you see a lot of young boys coming through, so it's a good pathway for the young boys."
100% behind the @qantaswallabies to #Bringbackbill at the #RWC2019 in Japan!
— Kaan (@kaannix) August 23, 2019
Pete Samu was very unlucky not to get a nod. Otherwise a balanced squad with some serious redemption stories & young blood out to show what they can produce! #GoldBlooded https://t.co/sqdafYbvFK
How does Pete SAMU miss out? As a kiwi that’s baffling seeing we’ve seen quite a bit of him.
— Doctor Mayhew (@sportspawn) August 31, 2019
I never complain when it comes to World Cup selection for the @qantaswallabies but no PETE SAMU on the team😤 what a joke!! #Goldblooded #RWC2019 https://t.co/imUtoYbu3K
— Micktee (@micktussy) August 29, 2019
Having earnt a home final with their win against NSW Country last week, the Vikings take on defending champions the Fijian Drua in their NRC semi-final on Sunday for the chance to advance to the decider.
And Samu will be one of the key players for Canberra in a back row that includes former Waratah Will Miller and recent Test debutant Rob Valetini.
"It's been awesome seeing Will (Miller) come over, he's fit in really good and having Rob there as well, having played with him last season," Samu said.
"It's been pretty good getting those connections early and I'll be looking forward to lacing up next to them in the Brumbies' season."
The Vikings take on the Fijian Drua in the second semi-final in Canberra on Sunday, October 20, kicking off at 3pm AEDT, following the Western Force's clash against Brisbane City in Perth on October 19 at 3pm AEDT. Both matches are LIVE on RUGBY.com.au and Kayo, with the Vikings clash also on Fox Sports.
