Brumbies centre Len Ikitau admits he's ready to push for his Wallabies debut after initially feeling like he didn't belong in camp last year.
Ikitau was one of the main bolters as part of Dave Rennie's first squad as Wallabies coach just nine months ago.
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His call-up was a surprise to many given the lack of game-time the 22-year-old had played with the Brumbies, largely used off the bench.
However, with a full season under his belt and regular competition against the Kiwis, Ikitau believes he is primed to take the next step and partner Hunter Paisami in the centres ahead of the first Test on July 7.
“Last year was a learning experience with the camp and I didn’t feel like I deserved to be there,” Ikitau told reporters on Tuesday.
“The limited gametime that I had, I was coming off the bench and didn’t really start.
“Just getting a full year under my build, I feel like I’m ready to go and compete at this level."
Ikitau will battle Paisami and Matt To'omua for the centres' spots, with To'omua still racing the clock to be fit as he manages a neck complaint.
With Ikitau largely training at 13, he praised the influence the injured Rebel has had during his brief stints in camp.
“Just being around ‘Pup’, I’ve learnt a lot from him,” he said on To’omua.
“He’s really experienced and has done it all in the game. It’s awesome to hear things about what he has done and what he’s been through.”
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Ikitau is joined in camp by a host of his Brumbies teammates as well as head coach Dan McKellar.
This includes good mate Darcy Swain, with the pair continuing to live the dream since starting their journey together at Brisbane Boys College.
“I went to school at BBC with Darcy (Swain) and Tom Banks,” he revealed. “We’ve been close mates since then and I followed him down to Canberra and lived with him.
“To play together at the Brumbies and be in the Wallabies set up is a dream come true for us.”
