Christian Lealiifano was the voice inside Lausii Taliauli's head when the ACT Brumbies speedster was fighting injury demons and feared for his Super Rugby future.
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That's why Taliauli is using Lealiifano's remarkable rugby comeback last week as extra inspiration for his own mission to get back on the field.
Taliauli signed a two-year contract extension on Tuesday to stay at the club until the end of 2019, vowing to repay the Brumbies' faith after suffering a season-ending knee injury in January.
The 24-year-old partnered with Lealiifano in the Brumbies' rehabilitation group and spent some of their darkest days together trying to overcome their battles.
Lealiifano was diagnosed with leukaemia in August last year but made a shock return to the field in Singapore last weekend.
Taliauli ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season game and was ruled out of the entire Super Rugby campaign.
"Christian was battling a life-threatening situation and we weren't too sure if he was going to play at all ever again," Taliauli said.
"When he played last week ... it's really an inspiration to all of the boys. Especially for me, it's awesome to see.
"He was in my head the whole couple of months we were working together. He was giving me feedback, confidence and drive to get through the tough times.
"I couldn't run for a couple of months. But he would take me to breakfast or we'd have a chat and it has really helped me along the way."
The Brumbies are expected to continue their re-signing spree before restarting their Super Rugby campaign against the Queensland Reds on July 7.
Taliauli joins Tom Cusack, Nic Mayhew, Les Leuluailii-Makin, Jordan Jackson-Hope and Blake Enever in committing to deals to be a part of incoming coach Dan McKellar's plan for the future.
Taliauli admits he feared for his future in Canberra after injury ruined his season before it began.
The former Australian sevens flyer and Gold Coast Titans junior has played just 15 games since making his Super Rugby debut in 2015.
He was set to cement a starting spot this year before his knee popped 30 minutes into the first trial of 2017.
"I've had so many injuries and limited time on the field, so I'm really looking forward to putting my hand up and having a big few seasons here," Taliauli said.
Taliauli started back in Brumbies fitness sessions last week and hopes to play a role in the National Rugby Championships at the end of the year.
But the ARU's decision to axe one Australian Super Rugby team and the looming flooded player market contributed to Taliauli's nervous wait for a new contract.
Several players will become free agents when the ARU cuts either the Western Force or Melbourne Rebels and rival franchises are waiting to see who is available to sign.
"It's pretty scary for a lot of the boys, especially the ones who are coming off-contract," Taliauli said.
"Seeing guys like Dane Haylett-Petty from the Western Force and if his team was cut, where would they land? It's pretty scary times.
"I was on the phone straight away to my manager thinking about the options for next year. But I'm just happy to be at the Brumbies for the next two seasons.
"I wanted to stay because I've grown a strong bond with the boys and I love the culture down here at the Brumbies."
The Brumbies will return to Canberra on Friday to restart training after the mid-year break for Wallabies duties.
Lealiifano is still easing his way back into work after playing in an exhibition game in Singapore, but he could be a surprise inclusion for the game against the Reds.
"Christian has given me hope and a lot of confidence. His presence is massive for everyone at the club," Taliauli said.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND 16
July 7: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium. 7.45pm. TV time: Live on Fox Sports 1.
