Excitement about the Brumbies future was the big factor in convincing co-captain Christian Lealiifiano to sign a new one-year deal with the Super Rugby club.
The 30-year-old playmaker ended speculation about his future by committing himself to the Brumbies – for who has played all of his 133 Super Rugby games – for the 2019 campaign.
In his first full season back for the Brumbies after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2016, Lealiifano played in 14 matches and logged more than 900 playing minutes.
He returned rejuvenated after a two-match mid-season break and played his best rugby since his comeback.
Lealiifano was part of a Brumbies side that ended the season well by winning four of their last five matches but finished 10th and missed out on the finals by a couple of points.
New Zealand-born Lealiifano, who has won 19 Wallabies caps, made his Brumbies Super Rugby debut in 2008.
Second on the Brumbies all-time points scoring list with 845, Leallifano agreed to the new deal prior to leaving for a stint with Japanese Top League side Toyota Shokki.
“The biggest factor was just probably the excitement that I have for the future of the club,” Lealiifano said
“I love the young talent coming through and being able to lead the side as well was really special for me.
“Having a break halfway through there was nice as well, so I’m excited about the future and what it holds and hopefully I can still add value.”
He said the Brumbies late season charge was sparked by a mindset of not fearing failure.
Lealiifano is motivated by a desire to win a Super Rugby title, having gone close in 2013 when the Brumbies lost in the final.
“The group that is being put together now is something that’s really, really special and something that excites me as the older head now, looking at the young guys come through,” he said.
“It’s something that I really want to be a part of so a Super Rugby title is obviously the angle.
“It’s just about now trying to make sure that the Brumbies are in a better place as well for when it’s my time to finish up.”
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Fionn, if you cannot get mods to pass on the email, this link takes you to my work webpage...contact me through that and I’ll pass on my personal contact details: http://www.crocodileencounters.com.au/Contact_Us.html
Fionn
Guest
Ah, I'd love to go to one of them too eventually! I'll contact the mods and see if they can pass my email along.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Or swap Perese and Petaia
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Great idea Fionn....don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it myself! We will be renewing for sure, already planning another trip to Japan for the Sunwolves game too?
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Yep
Fionn
Guest
Godwin was really hitting some form, and would have been useful as a potential 12 I think! Really sad to see him leaving.
Fionn
Guest
He's a big unit too, and fast. Looks like he might start on the wing, but could become a test class outside centre too. 9. Sorovi, 10. Paiaua, 11. Daugunu, 12. Kerevi, 13. Perese, 14. Petaia, 15. Toua/Stewart or something the best backline for the Reds next year?
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Nah, Tahs weren’t able to be the only finals Aus SR by having the worst 5/8. I’m not much of a Foley fan but he and Toomua are the only real options.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Yeah my money is on Petaia. Was playing colts even last year I think. Some kids just look “ready” from the get-go.
Fionn
Guest
Mark, best of luck for no bad fortune, eh! If you're a Brumbies member next year and come to the matches you know it'd be great to meet up sometime if you wanted!
Fionn
Guest
Really sad though. I thought he could have been a longterm Wallaby. That Petaia kid looks like he could have a big future also.
Jimbo81
Guest
So 5/8 options for the 2019 RWC: Toomua Hodge Beale Stewart Godwin Cooper Lance Every other back in club Rugby Bernard Foley In that order.
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Only the time trial to go now, then the procession into Paris.....he should be safe now with a lead of over 2 mins?. Ride of the day for me though was Peter Sagan, hanging on with some horrible injuries.
Dave_S
Roar Rookie
Article suggested he’s always wanted to try NRL. Maybe he just prefers playing league, dunno. Odd that he was refused an early release, tho, only one year left on his contract.
Fionn
Guest
Ugh. Honestly, that's a tragedy... I wonder why he's leaving?!
Fionn
Guest
Daring to dream yet :) ?
Baz
Guest
Good news but wondering if he should be wearing himself out in Japan.
Baz
Guest
Muirhead has had a good season and is developing nicely
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
??? Amsterdam is just like the Tour de France....lots of people on drugs, riding bicycles ??
Boomeranga
Guest
The comments that follow it get a bit saucy but the initial tweet is funny: https://twitter.com/Ben_Dudley010/status/1022146005863682048