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.”
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Phipps has looked useful and White has not convinced me. However, Genia to me like Higgers. A guy with plenty of experience and when on song looks the goods and adds a lot to the team. When they're just going through the motions, they're made to look ordinary. Maybe it's been an issue of lack of competition or maybe they've been ordered to play a style that doesn't suit them. Genia creates and scores tries that are a joy to behold - even when they happen against NZ! - but he is at his most useful, like any other half back, when he is given space around the ruck to best weigh up his options. That's when he attacks the line and punches the gaps and he can use his speed to good effect. If he's suffocated at ruck time and is forced into his box kicks, well we know all too well recently what that looks like...
HiKa
Roar Rookie
He had been playing injured for a couple of years. The enforced break has (hopefully) done his longer term career a big favour.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
Can any of our current locks pass as well as Vickerman delivered that ball to Samo? Rugby skills.
Qldfan
Roar Rookie
Shouldn't be after an injury enforced rest, and then some NRC game time. Likely to be in top spirits, and hopefully form
Magic Sponge
Guest
He seems burnt out and not interested.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I think Genia at his best, is head and shoulders above the other contenders in Australia. At his worst, and he is in the pack... at their best really.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Really hope Genia's gets some meaningful game time on tour. That said Phipps is playing really well and deserves to be Number 1 at the moment. Great to have Genia pushing him for his position, hopefully it brings out the best in both of them. I just don't want to see White in the Gold jersey again !
Fin
Guest
You can't buy experience. Will has learnt from his.
Ruckin' Oaf
Guest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZG8YbJpbg
stillmissit
Roar Guru
We are all keeping our fingers crossed that he will come back better than he was. At the end he was becoming predictable, I hope he had a good look at some of the box kicks from our halves and compared them to some from Aaron Smith for instance. The box kick is handy but it takes a lot of skill not to get charged down. We certainly need a fully firing Genia if we are to win the world cup.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
There is definitely a lesson here on how to talk to the media. Well said Will, no rubbish. Other wallaby leaders take note.