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With an eye on the Rugby World Cup, Luke Jones knows his toughest selection challenge may come from his Melbourne Rebels teammates.
Jones will bring up 50 Rebels Super Rugby caps on Friday night in Perth against the Western Force, with his team desperate for another win after narrow losses to NSW and the Brumbies.
The 23-year-old, who has three Test caps, has been one of the standouts of their impressive start to the season after focusing on playing lock.
Previously switching between there and the backrow, a chat with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika on last year’s European tour reinforced Jones’ decision that his best position was in the second row.
“I told him that I want to play lock and I don’t want to be a floater unless it’s necessary,” Jones said.
“I think I can potentially be a really good lock and that’s what I’m putting my focus on.”
It’s a position the Rebels have plenty of depth in.
Jones has been starting alongside Lopeti Timani, holding out Cadeyrn Neville, Sam Jeffries, Steve Cummins and also Radike Samo, who recently joined the club from Japan.
“I was definitely worried (about selection),” Jones said.
“Cadeyrn’s a really capable player, Jeffries just hits blokes, Lopeti’s trying to be the angry man on the field and Steve Cummins has come in this week and doesn’t look out of place.
“There’s a lot of good guys missing out but that’s the nature of rugby.”
To bolster his value to both the Rebels and Wallabies, Jones has added line-out calling to his repertoire after Hugh Pyle’s departure to France.
Jones started his career with the Force, playing two Super games after being signed as a schoolboy.
Along with prop Laurie Weeks, he’s the only remaining Rebels foundation player and said he was proud to reach the 50-club.
“I’ve been reflecting on how big the last five years has been,” he said
“I’m pretty proud to say that I’ve come this far in such a short time,” Jones said.
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.