Will Genia is keen to make the most of a fresh start under Michael Cheika by reclaiming his Wallabies starting spot and possibly rekindling his Test combination with Quade Cooper.
Veteran halfback Genia could make his first appearance for Australia this year against the Barbarians in London on Saturday, having been overlooked by former coach Ewen McKenzie since returning from ankle surgery.
Genia admits missing out on selection to in-form halves Nick Phipps and Nic White in recent Tests has been tough but he’s not bitter and says hard work is the only way he’ll win back the No.9 jersey under new coach Cheika.
“You always want to play, there’s no doubt about that,” Genia said in London on Tuesday.
“At the end of the day, when Ewan was coach he was picking blokes who he thought were playing well and doing the job so you can’t hold grudges against your teammates or coaches.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with both Whitey and Phippsy. I like them as people, as blokes and I think they’re playing good footy as well.
“… It’s always a fresh start when someone new comes in. You’ve just got to continue to work hard and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
Cheika has signalled he will likely use Saturday’s tour opener against the Barbarians at Twickenham as a chance to give the likes of Genia and Cooper game time, though it remains to be seen if both will start.
With Cooper also on the comeback trail from injury, the Queensland Reds duo has not played a Test together since the win over Wales in Cardiff, in November last year.
Their hopes of reuniting in any of the upcoming Tests against Wales, France, Ireland and England will hinge on them making the most of any early opportunities.
“Quade’s been training hard for a really long time now and great to also see him get an opportunity,” Genia said.
“If we’re both lucky enough, it’ll be great to rekindle that partnership at Test level.”
Genia echoed the sentiments of his Australian teammates that all players felt they were starting on level footing with Cheika and he hailed the new coach’s early impact.
“He’s come in and brought honesty and accountability to the group,” Genia said.
“He’s really genuine in his approach and he’s a very likeable person in the sense that with his honesty, he tells you how it is.
“From a footy perspective the one thing he’s brought into the team is a sense of physicality.
“It’s something he was really successful with at the Waratahs and is really passionate about and he’s really got the boys to get stuck in to make sure we have that at Test level.”
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