Kurtley Beale is in line to become Australia's 14th Test centurion but the 95-cap Wallaby's under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
Beale's inclusion in Joe Schmidt's inaugural Wallaby squad last week completed a remarkable comeback both on and off the field with the utility back's last Test appearance coming against Wales during the 2021 Spring Tour
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A short stint with Randwick in Sydney's Shute Shield this year preceded Beale's mid-season signing with the Western Force, where he started seven games at fullback to round out the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Speaking from the Wallabies' Brisbane camp, Beale told media he was "humbled" to receive the call-up.
"I was actually out at the park with my little fella. It's always an anxious wait to see if you're selected or not, so once the email came through, there was a lot of excitement," Beale said.
"There a lot of things I still want to achieve in the game and that's first being a good teammate and pushing the group back to the top where we deserve to be.
"I know there's a lot of hard work to be done so first things first is making sure we're putting our best foot forward at training."
Beale's third coming in Wallaby gold could be just as impactful off the field as on it with Australia's playmaking stocks of Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh boasting just 25 combined Test caps.
A mentor role in running Australia's cutter looms likely but Beale says he's not just there to make up the numbers.
"If the fire wasn't in the belly, I wouldn't be sitting here. If I didn't think I could add anything, it'd be a different story, but having time away and having that experience under my belt allows me to come back and put my best foot forward for the group," Beale said.
"I guess being that older guy in the group now, sharing those experiences is really important in driving the team in the right direction.
"I'm really glad to be back and keen to add my influence on the group, especially with a young crew who bring a lot of enthusiasm and are eager to learn.
"Individually I'll be pushing myself to be ready for any position or whatever opportunity that comes but then just (being) that soundboard for the young playmakers in the group or anyone in the group."
Teammate James Slipper joked Beale's inclusion saw him take the mantle of Australia's oldest squad member but said he wasn't surprised by the news.
"I was more proud to be honest," Slipper said.
"KB's a player I've played most of my career with. It's his experience, the way he's come back from a bit of adversity and the way he's gone about his business … he'll add a lot of value to the group.
"When you walk into a room, KB's voice is probably the one you're going to hear first. I wouldn't say he's the loudest but he speaks with a lot of ownership … and he's putting himself first and got himself ready."
The Wallabies hit the ground running on Tuesday with their maiden session under Schmidt, who has just 12 days to prepare Australia for their opening July series Test against Wales in Sydney.
"He's been great, the way he talks about certain aspects of the game, especially around the attacking ruck is simple but emphasises the importance of that work and allowing us to play the way we want to play," Beale said of Schmidt.
"He's honest, tells you how it is and a lot of guys were able to pick that up and move forward."
