2024 John Eales Medalist Rob Valetini may shy away from the limelight off the field, but has sent a clear message about the future of the Wallabies as they look to impress on the Spring Tour.
Valetini became the third player in history to take out consecutive John Eales Medals, joining the likes of Michael Hooper and Israel Folau.
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“I'm just a kid from Melbourne that always wanted to play for the Wallabies," he told reporters.
“I was brought up in a good family with a lot of older brothers who are always a part of me, so I've got to thank them as well for my upbringing.
“…I just love playing the game and all this stuff just comes with it I guess. I'm not really one to go for a poster boy or anything.”
Valetini isn't motivated by honours like this, keeping his focus on lifting the Wallabies from their tenth-place ranking.
For me, it’s just putting rugby in Australia in a better place, I think it’s sort of looked down on (as a sport),” Valetini said.
“I want to be part of the group that changes that perception of rugby in Australia. I just love the game to be honest and everything that comes with it.
“…I'm lucky to have fallen in love with the game and the opportunities that it comes with are just a bonus.”
This starts with the Spring Tour, facing a packed Grand Slam schedule that starts with England on November 10.
Following this, they will take on the British and Irish Lions in Australia, which pundits in the north have already deemed a formality amid the Wallabies' struggles.
Valetini knows the side will head to the UK as the underdogs, ready to send a message before next year's tour.
“I think we always want to win and we take it to heart as well whenever we don't," he said.
“For us it's just about training and being hard on each other. I think we're still a young squad and we've had a lot of debutants this year as well but think we've just got to stay patient and keep training well and keep building and I think time will come.
“… These are the games you want to be in over there against the European teams and prove yourself to the world."
