Now he's re-signed, Connal McInerney has his sights set on the ACT Brumbies No.2 jersey.
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McInerney signed a one-year extension on his contract on Monday to keep him in the capital until the end of 2021.
He played 10 Super Rugby games last season and now wants to establish himself in the Brumbies 23.
Preferably that would be as the starting hooker.
That spot's likely to be held by Folau Faingaa, who has played 12 Tests for the Wallabies.
But that's obviously McInerney's goal.
"It's always to start [my goal]. That's what it should be for everyone really," he said.
"Probably this year, just get some more games under my belt.
"I played 10 last year so I just hope to add to that, but hopefully at least another 10. Hopefully 15, hopefully every game.
"To be in that 23 and play regular minutes that's my main goal."
The 24-year-old used to consider himself one of the youngsters of the Brumbies squad.
But the post-World Cup exodus from Australian rugby means he now feels like one of the senior members of the squad.
That loss of experience leaves a leadership hole to fill and McInerney wants to step in.
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He might not receive any official roles when the Brumbies announce their leadership group on Tuesday, but he feels as one of the now senior members in the squad he still needs to lead.
"Every World Cup you kind of see a change in the squad, a lot of the older players move on," McInerney said.
"That's kind of happened everywhere at all four franchises in Australia so it's just a natural occurrence.
"But we've got an exciting young group coming through the ranks.
"It's a bit funny, a year or two ago I was one of the youngest and [now I'm] one of the oldest.
"I hope to take a bit of a leadership role with those young guys.
"We've still got a really good squad with plenty of experience as well."
McInerney said his re-signing showed him the Brumbies coaching staff had confidence in him.
He was clearly over the moon to have another year to look forward to with his home-town club.
His girlfriend, mum, brother and best mate were the ones he told - in that order.
"Yeah really happy. I wasn't really expecting to be in negotiations so early, but it was good to get it out of the way," McInerney said.
"It's a huge boost. The coaches have that trust in me to do the job for another year.
"I'm very excited, confident in the next couple of years now."
McInerney was expecting to get enough game time "for a blow out" in the second game of the Brumbies' trial against the Melbourne Rebels in Albury on Thursday.
He felt they were ready for the season, with the 10-day camp in Newcastle a massive bonus for the club.
That's after they got over the initial annoyance of having to leave Canberra to escape the smoke from the NSW bushfires.
"I think the whole squad got a lot of confidence out of those 10 days in Newcastle," he said.
"I think it helped that we were pretty much living out of each others bags for the most part.
"That was awesome preparation. At the time it was a bit annoying picking up our stuff and leaving so quickly.
"But then looking back at it now, it was probably the best preparation we could've had.
"Come round one I think we'll be in better stead than we perhaps were last year for the first round."
SUPER RUGBY PRE-SEASON TRIAL
Thursday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Albury, 3.45pm and 6.15pm.
SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE
January 31: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.