NSW Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu is looking to make good use of his limited opportunities as he pushes for a Wallabies return.
Latu returned to the Waratahs in 2023, however, has found himself stuck behind Dave Porecki and Mahe Vailanu in the pecking order after strong starts from the pair.
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This has limited him to just five appearances from the bench, averaging just under 20 minutes per game.
Porecki's concussion will likely open the door for the 30-year-old to return to the side for Saturday's clash against the Blues in Eden Park, looking to make an impact.
“I feel like I have more to give in Australian Rugby but it comes down to taking opportunities when they come,” Latu said to reporters.
“(2023 Rugby World Cup) was another reason why I came back. It’s a World Cup year and with the rules being you have to play in Super Rugby to get picked….it was always in the back of my mind and I knew I wasn’t going to just come back and get given the jersey because it doesn’t happen like that.
“I feel like if I do get on the park, get more minutes and I play enough footy and play consistently each week, then there is always an opportunity to be called up into the squad.
“I feel like I haven’t made the most of my chances that I’ve got this season. When I do get my opportunities, I need to make sure I take them and play better."
Latu was the starting hooker for the Wallabies at the most recent World Cup in 2019 before heading overseas to France.
It ended in ugly fashion, with Stade Francais' owner delivering a sensational outburst about his discipline.
Latu finished the year with six yellows and two reds in a season, more cards than what he accrued in his six years with the Waratahs.
“If you look at the seasons that I was over there for three years, it wasn’t until the last season that I had problems on the field,” Latu explained.
“We play each week and we try to play within the rules and sometimes we push the boundaries a bit too far and get in trouble for that. If that’s the reputation that people want to give me, then that’s up to them.
“…I got to live in Paris for three years which I never thought growing up I would get that opportunity like that
“It was awesome to get that experience and playing Rugby over there was a lot of fun. I enjoyed my time there but it’s good to be back home.”
Latu has the backing of the Waratahs as they look to kick-start their season after last week's win over the Western Force.
“They said they trust me and they want me to keep playing on the edge, but also making sure that there’s no clear brain explosions within that decision-making on the field," he added.
