He's played just 292 minutes of Super Rugby and Australia A, but NSW Waratahs breakout star Langi Gleeson is confident he can shine on the international stage if called upon against the Springboks.
Gleeson was the biggest bolter in Dave Rennie's 35-player squad for the Tests in Adelaide and Sydney, joining his first camp after an incredible 2022 campaign.
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“It’s pretty surreal, didn’t expect to be in this squad,” he told reporters.
“(Dave) gave me a call on Thursday and I couldn’t wait to tell the family. It’s been a pretty big year for me and really happy to be here. It was on the way back from ‘Tahs training and as soon as I got the call, emotions came running in, especially as a young kid looking up to (Bernard) Foley, it’s the biggest achievement you can do."
Starting the season well down in the pecking order at Super level, the 21-year-old made his Super Rugby debut in round two, largely used as a late-game sub by Darren Coleman.
However, the decision to rest Jed Holloway and Charlie Gamble for the Waratahs' round 15 clash with the Highlanders proved fortuitous for Gleeson, announcing himself with a barnstorming performance.
This was parlayed into a call-up for the Australia A program, emerging as the form player of the Pacific Nations Cup with brutal displays against Fiji and Tonga.
“Coming into the Australia A tour, I didn’t expect much, I just wanted to learn from the players there,” he admits.
“Playing against really tough opposition on that Pacific Tour such as Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, they’re all really strong, intense players and finding a way to get into the game and showcasing what you can do was probably the biggest thing I could do.
“Pacific Rugby players are known for their size so you need to use your technique or you will be rolled over. It’s very intense, especially playing with players you haven’t played with before, I find you have to build a connection really quickly which I’m trying to do here.”
Gleeson is following a steady production line of Manly forwards to get a shot at the Wallabies after the likes of Dave Porecki and Cadeyrn Neville earned long-awaited debuts.
Naturally, he grew up idolising Michael Hooper, praising his influence at club and country.
“'Hoops' is a big icon in Manly, watched his games growing up alongside (David) Pocock in the World Cups, looking up to him. He’s a really nice and genuine person,” he notes on Hooper.
The backrower was treating the experience in the national set-up as another chance to learn and improve his craft, ready to go if needed.
“For me as a player, I just want to learn from the players and coaches," he added.
"It doesn’t matter if I’m playing or benching, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to learn from players like Jed Holloway, Valetini all in my positions.”
