Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has set his sights on a Wallabies recall under new coach Joe Schmidt as he looks to impress on his return to Super Rugby Pacific with Melbourne.
The 27-year-old lock-cum-backrower was a stand-out for the Rebels in their trial match win over the Waratahs in early February, with the team having a final pre-season hit-out against the Fijian Drua in Melbourne on Friday.
Looking fit and lean, Salakaia-Loto said he felt settled in his new home, which was being reflected on the field.
“Footy (Melbourne coach Kevin Foote) and the boys have made the transition quite easy for me,” Salakaia-Loto told AAP.
“I’m just bringing what I can to the group, and hopefully it’s adding in a positive way.
“It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time and being home back in Australia, settled in with my family, certainly helps.
“I’m happy as well, which is a reflection of the environment and the group of boys who we’ve got here, and the coaching staff.”
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Lukhan Salakaia-Loto says the Rebels’ off-field drama won’t derail their Super Rugby season. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Salakaia-Loto spent last year with English club Northampton, which he said helped him evolve as a player and person after nine seasons with Queensland.
“Just the change itself is the biggest thing – change can be such a positive thing,” he said.
“I was in the same place (Queensland Reds) for about nine years, so to experience something else and see things from a different perspective certainly helped my game grow.
“Taking my family overseas and experiencing a new lifestyle has benefited me and hopefully it’ll show this year.”
Salakaia-Loto played a match for Australia A last year but missed World Cup selection.
He said he was hungry to add to his 30 Tests under Schmidt, who has replaced Eddie Jones as Wallabies coach.
“One hundred per cent – that’s definitely one of the big motivators as to why I came home,” he said of potential Test selection.
“But you know, you don’t get to that level if you don’t perform at Super Rugby level – so that’s the goal and that’s the focus.
“Hopefully the performances as a team at the Rebels will lead to guys going on to push for higher honours.”
The future of the cash-strapped Rebels beyond 2024 remains in doubt and Salakaia-Loto admitted the uncertainty was unsettling, but he hoped the players could use it as a driving force.
“It’s put us in a real good position to turn it into a positive as a group,” he said.
“This season is fully in our control and that’s awesome, because it’s in our hands, it’s our fate and we decide our destiny.”
AAP
Paul
Roar Rookie
Looks like it's going to get bleak really soon. Herald Sun reporting Rebels only have $17,300. Clearly not enough to pay debts. Looks like Newscorp got the reports lodged with ASIC. They can't trade while insolvent. This means they can't operate to generate income.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Geez according to google the guy is 198cm and 123kg - that is a big human, and mobile for a lock too (if not for a 6). LSL, and Frost, and Skelton, and Rodda, there is a core of good locks there.
whistleblower (retired)
Roar Rookie
I sincerely hope the Rebels survive – I liked their style last year. Not just at the Rebels but perhaps all SR franchises need to improve their pre and post-game offerings to attract larger crowds; make it a social occasion. By having quality food and drink available people would perhaps arrive earlier and leave later. I recall being at province games in South Africa where food and other activities were provided by both the home and away teams, all trying to out-do each other. It was not unusual to have an entire carcass of beef on a rotisserie along with the usual boerewors sausage sandwiches – bloody delicious!! Attending rugby games in France is very much a social occasion. These activities are done by volunteers not subcontracted out to commercial operations so profit is retained by the club. Time to think outside the box – I suspect such things could be viable in Australia unless venues prohibit such activities. Certainly something needs to be done to enhance the experience of watching 80 minutes of the best game in the world.
Old school rugby
Roar Rookie
I guess it’s better the directors than RA. If you’re a licensor wouldn’t you be requesting annual financials from the licensee? Solvency the first box to be ticked. This situation could have been avoided. I wonder how many players are hanging in there or exploring their options.
Lucky
Roar Rookie
Oh I see. I get the feeling there will be a number of twists and turns in this saga. Just hope the players get to play a full season without feeling like they're on sinking sand. Must be very difficult for their families too.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Good to see LSL back in Aussie rugby. Another Thorn mistake !
Paul
Roar Rookie
Herald Sun reporting the ATO are pursuing the directors. It's a pay walled so I can't see the whole article but it could mean they're trying to recover the super guarantee amounts - those debts aren't forgiveable.
Lucky
Roar Rookie
Best of luck to Salakaia-Loto and the Rebels. Whatever happens this year I'm sure the players want to start and end the season on a high and given what's unfolding that's totally understandable.
Lucky
Roar Rookie
Not sure an actual date has been set yet. When RA & the Administrators took over at the end of January, Phil Waugh did say he wanted to fast track the decision to let the club know sooner than later. He did not want it to drag on for a few months like back with what happened to the Force. All of this year's games however and players wages for the Rebels will still go ahead. Also, there was a faint glimmer of hope the Rebels could continue next year in a restructured position but then news broke of an idea to merge them with Moana Pasifika. I don't believe NZ were made aware of that idea though! At this point I don't think members of the public know, but tomorrow, who knows. Sounds like the powers that be are trying to come up with some plan but are still throwing ideas around.
Old school rugby
Roar Rookie
When do the Rebels find out their fate?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Great article given the situation the Rebels find themselves in. While so many are negative, have to love the positivity of Salakaia-Loto and I wish him and the Rebels well for 2024 and beyond.