Versatile backrower John Bryant looms another bolter for national duties as the countdown to next week’s Spring Tour squad announcement begins in earnest.
Fresh from inking a two-year extension at Ballymore, Bryant was a notable inclusion at this week’s Brisbane Wallaby training hub.
The 21-year-old has impressed state and national selectors alike this year, pulling on the maroon 18 times across all three backrow positions since debuting against Saitama Wild Knights last November, and relished this week's sliver of Wallaby gold.
“Got the email last week with all our names about the hub, I was absolutely stoked” Bryant told rugby.com.au.
“It was a taste and gives us something to look forward to. But anything from here is a bonus for me.”
“I’d definitely love to wear that gold jersey but it’s still early days and whatever I get is more than I would’ve thought already.”
That "gold jersey" might be closer than he thinks with Bryant’s versatility placing him in good stead for a maiden call-up this month to either one of the Wallabies or Australia XV touring squads.
There's stiff opposition when it comes to backrow utilities - Reds teammate Joe Brial, Force backrower Will Harris, Test Brumbies Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer and others are all jostling for position behind Wallaby incumbents Carlo Tizzano, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini and captain Harry Wilson.
But with a total 64 players set to head north, there's plenty of opportunity for a Swiss Army seven like Bryant, who spent time alongside Carlo Tizanno this week under the watchful eye of Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
“We’re just trying to pick up some of the shape and some of the way they play,” Bryant said.
“It’s been good, mostly fundamentals like how we’re hitting our rucks, very technical around our ball carry and our clean.
“I got a few tips from Carlo, he helped with showing what to do, where to be, that kind of thing. Obviously being a 7-8, I look at him as a 7 and what he does across the field.”
“Positionally I’m not yet settled. I like to carry the ball and that part of being an 8 but I also like also the tackle and defence game of being a 7.”
There’ll be an expectant buzz around Chipsy Wood Oval too as Bryant and Souths clubmate Harry McLaughlin-Phillips await news of the Wallabies and Australia XV squads (set to be named next Tuesday).
McLaughlin-Phillips, 20, was another exciting inclusion at this week's Brisbane hub and shapes an Australia XV playmaking option alongside NSW duo Tane Edmed and Lawson Creighton.
Bryant has high hopes for his fellow Magpie.
“(Harry) and I played Colts for a year and now the past two years in Premier Grade and Reds - he’s definitely one to look out for," Bryant said.
“He’s an awesome football player and decision maker. It’s awesome to see him in there.
“I love Souths, been there since I started playing and it’s always special to pull on the black and white every chance I get. It’s a good community and it means a lot to me."
