The Brumbies are eagerly looking forward to their Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Western Force on February 20, preparing for a reunion of sorts at GIO Stadium.
With the Force looking for a youthful injection heading into 2022, they turned to the nation's capital to bolster their roster, recruiting the likes of Reesjan Pasiota and Bayley Kuenzle west.
In total, five players from their 2021 squad would make the trip to WA as they overhauled their roster.
Brumbies and Wallabies fullback Tom Banks was relishing the match-up with his former teammates, particularly with old housemate Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, well aware of the threats they possess.
“We certainly know what they can bring. Reesjan, BK (Bayley Kuenzle) have really come a long way,” Banks told reporters on Monday.
“They’re all quite threatening players and we know it’s going to be an interesting battle.
“(Banter with Fines-Leleiwasa) hasn’t started yet but maybe I’ll give him a call this week and let him know what’s happening."
In their absence, the Brumbies have continued to build depth, recruiting the likes of Chris Feauai-Sautia, Jesse Mogg and Cam Clark to bolster their backline.
With Banks ready to return from an arm injury that sidelined him towards the end of the Rugby Championship, he believes the growing competition is pushing the squad to the next level.
“We’re feeling really good. I think the things we focused on in pre-season and wanted to challenge ourselves on, we’ve been quite good,” the Wallabies fullback notes.
“It’s good to see that all come out through that internal trial. Obviously that trial in Bowral (against the Waratahs) was a bit wet which made it harder but that internal trial, a lot of boys stood up and put their case forward for round one. You need pressure for spots. It creates that competitive environment and I think we’ve done that really well and built a good squad.
"It’s been a long pre-season but in saying that, it’s been really good for me (to recover from injury). Nothing compares to being out there under the lights again (though)."
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Sunday's match-up at GIO Stadium will mark a near eight-month wait between Super Rugby games for the club.
For halfback Ryan Lonergan, he enters with further motivation after getting a taste of Wallabies camp without experiencing his debut cap.
With COVID restrictions ensuring he was unable to feature for club side Tuggeranong Vikings, the constant watching from the sidelines has 'fueled the fire' for the 23-year-old.
“It did feel long (last season), mainly because I didn’t get a chance to play too many games,” he concedes.
“I was in that Wallaby camp for a while and due to circumstances, I couldn’t play for Vikings or anything.
“It was a great year but just keen to rip into some footy.
“(Wallabies camp) fuelled that fire in that. It would’ve been great to get a game there but obviously didn’t but it makes you want to come back bigger and better this year.”
