Back in 2009 Israel Folau, Ben Te’o and Karmichael Hunt were last seen together playing for NRL club Brisbane.
Fast forward to Saturday night and they could meet again at Broncos homeground Suncorp Stadium – in the Wallabies’ first Test clash with England.
Many would have laughed at the prospect eight years ago.
Well, maybe not stony faced Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett.
Folau agreed it would be a moment he could never have predicted but would still savour if the stars aligned and the trio reunited this weekend.
Incumbent fullback Folau is a chance of lining up in the Wallabies centres against Te’o who may make his debut for England two years after leaving the NRL.
Hunt is set to feature on the Wallabies bench when the team is confirmed on Thursday.
“It is something we probably wouldn’t have thought would happen when we were running around together in a Broncos jersey in 2009,” Folau said of their reunion.
“It’s funny how our journey has gone and where we are at this moment.
“But I am very proud of Benny with his selection in the England side, he definitely deserves it.
“Hopefully he gets an opportunity to run out on Saturday night.
“And hopefully K (Hunt) can get in the team for the Wallabies.”
Kiwi-born South Sydney premiership winner Te’o is the latest code hopper off the NRL production line.
The former Queensland State of Origin backrower is set to wear the Red Rose after signing with Championship outfit Worcester following a successful two-year stint with Ireland’s Leinster.
Hunt and Folau’s unprecedented but well documented journeys took them to rugby via AFL.
Bennett would be forgiven for feeling a tinge of regret if the trio all run out in Saturday’s rugby Test.
Instead Bennett reckoned he would feel a sense of pride.
According to Bennett, the Broncos helped mould the trio into the men they are today.
“It’s always been a great club, it has produced some wonderful men out of it,” Bennett said.
“They are playing another code but the grounding provided by this organisation has paved their future.
“They were recruited here, trained here and learned all their good habits here.
“Melbourne and ourselves do it better than anyone else, churning kids out with the right attitude to play the game.”
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