New Wallaby winger Joseph Tomane would have been happy just to play one senior game this season for the Brumbies.
Tomane was one of five uncapped players named in the starting team to face Scotland in Newcastle on Tuesday.
It represented a meteoric rise for 22-year-old Tomane, who returned to union after a four-year stint in rugby league with Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Wallaby representation wasn’t even remotely on his radar at the start of the year.
“Definitely not this quickly. It’s an amazing journey,” Tomane said of his Test selection.
“Pretty much just to get one game in with the Brumbies, and then hopefully have a good pre-season and get a crack into making the Brumbies team next year.”
While he has made a swift transition back to union, Tomane doesn’t regard his time in league as wasted.
“I enjoyed my time in league. I had the best four years there,” Tomane said.
“I guess I just see it as a different career change – I wouldn’t say (they were) lost years.
“I had an awesome time and I had a little bit of success. I played with some great players as well.
“I was coached under one of the best coaches (Melbourne’s Craig Bellamy) in the NRL, so I think the opportunity I had in league was awesome.”
Tomane was born in New Zealand, but isn’t concerned his Australian selection will create a conflict for relatives on the other side of the Tasman.
“I’m sure they will get over it. I’m practically Australian – I’ve been here since I was two years old, so they can’t really claim me,” Tomane said.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans sees plenty to like in Tomane.
“He’s heady, he makes good decisions, he’s accurate, he’s good with the ball in the air and he’s obviously got some individual capability as well in terms of his own talent, his ability with his feet, his power,” Deans said of Tomane.
“They are all things we think will be good value for us.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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