Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio is targeting a Super Round return, buoyed on by Wallabies camp and the growing competition across the country.
Lolesio remains on the sidelines with an ankle 'niggle' as Dan McKellar confirmed a shuffled Brumbies line-up to face the Fijian Drua, with Rod Iona holding onto the ten jersey.
Whilst sitting on the sidelines has been frustrating, the 22-year-old is pushing to be back after the bye against the Highlanders.
“I probably didn’t think it was that bad at the start. It’s a little setback, just a little ankle niggle,” Lolesio told rugby.com.au
“The plan is to start running again this week and the bye, with the aim to be back hopefully the week after against the Highlanders. “It’s always tough watching, especially when the boys went down to the Reds so I’m trying to help out as much as I can whether that’s off-field or talking to the boys about tactics.
“No one likes being injured but I’m just trying to contribute off the field as best I can without being too in control because I’m not on the field and let the boys do their thing.”
The desire to return comes as competition within playmakers continues to develop, with Lolesio joined by James O'Connor and Ben Donaldson in Wallabies camp.
With the likes of Will Harrison and Reesjan Pasitoa applying pressure, Lolesio believes it has driven a new standard across the country as they push each other to be better.
“It’s awesome. We haven’t this much competition at flyhalf for the last couple of years,” he remarked.
“I’m good mates with Dono(Ben Donaldson), Harro(Will Harrison) and Reesjan (Pasitoa) so it’s awesome seeing them do so well.
“It’s keeping me on my toes and I’m sure it is for Rabs(James O’Connor) as well so we’ve just got to put our best foot forward, be the best version of myself and hopefully that puts me in the best spot for selection.
“Me and Rabs, we feed off each other in camps like this. It’s good catching up with him over the past couple of days when we’ve had the chance.
“At the end of the day, we want to achieve something special with this group and that’s to win. Whatever we can to compete with each other, because we know that’s going to make all of us better.”
READ MORE:
LOCKED IN: Wallaroos, Wallabies Tests confirmed
CREATE A MOMENT: Hooper looking to end England drought
RETURN: Wallaroos excited for Test return
Lolesio relished the opportunity to join the 40-man camp despite the injury, which reinforced the need to bulk up whilst improving his kicking game.
“I think it’s awesome being in this environment,” he said.
“Rens (Dave Rennie) has made it clear for each player to know what their strengths and work-ons are for the next ten weeks heading into the first game against England.
“The main theme around this camp is building a strong foundation so we can work with that heading into the Tests.
“I spoke to Rens before I he said I was tracking well but obviously physically, I’m still young and improving as a flyhalf so I just need to build more muscle and speed whilst working on my kicking game.
“For me, nothing really changes but I believe I’m making some strides in the right direction so I’ll keep working on that.”
