NSW Waratahs flyhalf Tane Edmed has returned from his breakthrough NPC experience ready to push for higher honours.
Edmed joined a select group of fellow Waratahs teammates and ACT Brumbies in Canberra as they wrapped up a two day camp ahead of the Wallabies and Australia XV end-of-season tour.
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The 24-year-old missed selection in the Rugby Championship after NSW’s tough Super Rugby season, opting to head across the Tasman to join North Harbour in the National Provincial Competition (NPC).
It proved a masterstroke for the young playmaker as he lit up the competition.
He finished the regular season as the highest point scorer with 137 points, including a 33 point haul in their win over Manawatu.
It led to many calling for his recall as Edmed kept his head grounded amid a legion of new Kiwi fans.
"I've always known I've had the ability, it's always been there, but it's pretty crazy what a new environment can do, a fresh start and a new perspective," Edmed said on Tuesday.
"It definitely helped me confidence-wise to see that I can do that, and just getting that enjoyment back again as it's been a tough few years at the Waratahs.
"At the same time, I'm also very aware that NPC is not Super, it's not Test-level rugby, so obviously there'll be challenges still ahead, but it definitely made me more confident in my own abilities, for sure."
Edmed is competing with Noah Lolesio, Ben Donaldson and Tom Lynagh, although all are expected to get game time either in the Wallabies' four Tests or with Australia XV, who will play two tour matches.
Despite the rivalry, Lolesio was happy to share the Wallabies' attacking strategies with Edmed during their training drills.
"Everyone's trying to get better here for the sake of Australian rugby, so we're all happy to help and Noah's been awesome, showing me the attack plan and all that sort of stuff," said Edmed.
"It's a really positive environment and just being here for two days, I've loved it so much and I want to make sure that I'm trying to expose myself to
