Reds number eight Harry Wilson believes the mutual decision to miss the Wallabies end-of-year Spring Tour will have him primed for another breakout season in 2022.
Wilson started the opening two games against France, however, found himself on the outer for a large majority of the Rugby Championship, featuring just twice.
The 22-year-old was seemingly jumped in the pecking order by Rob Valetini, which is no reflection on his own form given the incredible season the Brumbies backrower had.
With Pete Samu proving almost invaluable as a super-sub that could cover all three positions in the back-row, Wilson essentially found himself as a 'start or sit' prospect.
His subsequent omission from the Spring Tour squad raised eyebrows across the Rugby community, joined by fellow club teammates Fraser McReight and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
However, Wilson has confirmed he was 'happy' with the call by the coaching staff after a brutal 18 months of hub life and International Rugby.
“I was happy with the decision. I was happy to get back here with the Reds,” he told reporters on Monday.
“I had a good month off to have a refresher, more mentally than anything, and then two months with all the boys to rip in and try to improve.
“It got mentioned during Rugby Championship and at that time, I had a few weeks to think about it and by the end of it, I was pretty keen for it to happen and I know even the coaching staff were too."
Wilson saw the opportunity as a chance to work on the improvements asked of him by Wallabies staff, including his power, speed off the mark, agility and footwork, as well as enjoying 'living a normal life.'
“It wasn’t as if I was devastated at getting cut and not go on the Spring Tour," he explained. "I saw it as an opportunity to improve as a footballer, and have a nice time at home to get refreshed and enjoy getting ready for this season.
“Being out of the bubble, it’s nice to live a normal life and catch up with your mates, just live a life where you don’t always have to stay inside.
“For me, it was more physically to try and prepare myself for this year.”
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The Reds enter Super Rugby Pacific coming off two narrow trial defeats to the Force and Waratahs.
Both trials had their own external issues, with COVID and a power outrage disrupting preparations.
The back-rower believes the hit-outs will serve as a crucial reminder of the intensity levels they must reach to match it with the best in the competition.
“We didn’t get the result in either of them but we took a lot out of them,” he said.
“The best way to prepare for the season is two hard hit outs.
“(The Waratahs) brought a lot of physicality so it was good for us to know what to expect. They put us under a lot of pressure in attack and defence so it was good learnings to get our structures a bit sharper other they’ll do what they did to us (in round two) and whack us a fair few times.”
