A taste of Wallabies action has ignited Folau Fainga'a's dream to become Australia's first-choice hooker, as the national side undergo a changing of the guard.
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Fainga'a committed to a two-year contract extension with the ACT Brumbies last month, giving the Wallabies front-row certainty following the loss of two international stars.
The departure of Tolu Latu and Tatafu Polota-Nau from Australian rugby will open the door for Fainga'a to compete for the No.2 spot, but he tussles with the likes of Jordan Uelese.
Fainga'a was in Australia's World Cup squad but played just one game in a three-way rotation with Latu and Uelese.
The Wallabies' quarter-final exit has Fainga'a hungry for more action, insisting he's ready to step up, compete and shoulder Australia's set-piece responsibility.
"You still have world-class hookers in Australia," Faingaa said.
"Guys like Jordan Uelese, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Alex Mafi in Queensland, then myself here with Connal McInerney, Lachlan Lonergan and young Billy Pollard.
"Australia is in very good hands with hookers and the competition is healthy."
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The 24-year-old unexpectedly made an early return to Super Rugby training last week while Allan Alaalatoa, Tevita Kuridrani, James Slipper and Scott Sio joined the squad on Monday.
Faingaa, Sio and Alaalatoa have all signed long-term contracts, giving the Brumbies continuity in the front-row as they rebuild the rest of their pack.
There will be a new second-row pairing after Sam Carter and Rory Arnold left for opportunities overseas, while Tom Cusack, Jahrome Brown and Will Miller battle to replace David Pocock in the No.7 jersey.
"Just look at the depth we have in the front row, there's quite a lot of caps and experience," Alaalatoa said.
"I think their natural leadership is going to come out and the forward pack will be looking to the front row for that leadership, namely guys like Slipper, Sio and Fainga'a, who has just re-signed.
"I'm sure they're going to bring a lot of leadership which they already have, understanding that the new boys are going to try and tap into their heads a bit."
Alaalatoa has emerged as a contender to replace Christian Lealiifano as captain next year, winning the Rugby Union Players' Association Medal for excellence last week.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is yet to unveil his leadership group for 2020, with Cusack, Lachlan McCaffrey and Joe Powell also capable of taking the reins.
The Brumbies unveiled their home and away jerseys for the 2020 Super Rugby season on Monday.
The home jersey retained its traditional look with subtle changes to the side paneling, while the alternative strip has changed from being predominantly navy to gold.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
