Towering Queenslander Angus Blyth might not have expected a Test call-up in 2024 - but he'll be damned if he doesn't give Camp Wallaby everything he's got.
The 203cm lock played just five games of Super Rugby Pacific this season following a lengthy injury layoff (ankle) and was expecting to pull on the boots in Queensland's Hospital Cup before Joe Schmidt came knocking.
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"After a tough year this year, it wasn't even really on my radar," Blyth said of making the national squad.
"I was just trying to get my body right for the game on the weekend. I told my partner straight away, she was over the moon, and told mum and dad after that. Told all my mates from TSS (The Southport School) as well and down at the rugby club at Bond (Uni) which was great."
Blyth, 26, is one of 13 uncapped players in Camp Wallaby this week, including fellow Queensland forwards Ryan Smith, Alex Hodgman, and Josh Nasser who took part in last week's satellite camps at Ballymore.
Whether that changes next week in Australia's first July Series Test against Wales is a different matter with Blyth determined to make his mark in gold.
"I had no expectations going into that (train-on squad), just put my best foot forward and leave that rough year behind me … but I'm not happy just to be here. I'm here to train as hard as I can, to play, or to make the team better," Blyth said.
"I'm obviously quite a big lad so I've got that size factor … and blokes like Guppy and Smithy are hard players. They've both had great years this year so it's great to see Joe and selectors picking based off form in Super Rugby."
Tipping the scales at 115kgs, Blyth's confrontational style and sharp lineout work could be of interest to Schmidt against a plus-sized Welsh pack with Will Skelton (overseas) not considered for the July Test series.
Blyth's leadership credentials could also play a role after stints leading a Reds Development XV and post-season Japan tour last year.
It's a growing combination of seniority and size eerily similar to the men Blyth credits much of his career too - Brad Thorn and James Horwill.
"(Brad Thorn) has been a great influence on me and a lot of the other guys … he messaged me after making the first train-on squad and the July squad as well.," Blyth said.
"Obviously it's helped being the same position as him … but he's tough, he's a hard man and that's what I've tried to focus my game on.
"In terms of idols, growing up watching James Horwill - 'Big Kev' - he was probably my idol.
"His was a similar style of play that I like and what I base my game off - he's a great leader as well. I'd say he's one of the better locks to base your game off."
