ACT Brumbies young gun Noah Lolesio brushes off hype to earn respect

So how does he feel when he hears his name floated as one to potentially steer Australia's best around the park on rugby union's biggest stage? Just fine.

Lolesio claimed the spoils against Matt To'omua when the Brumbies toppled the Melbourne Rebels in round one.

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was impressed with the 20-year-old's showing in Super Rugby AU's opening weekend but there is little chance of Lolesio getting too big for his boots.

Because he jokes his teammates - so many of whom have worn Wallaby gold - are quick to cut him down to size.

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"I'm one of the youngest in the squad and I'm telling the boys what to do, everyone keeps me grounded," Lolesio said.

"That's the Brumbies' culture, anyone who has played for the Brumbies can say that. It's a real family culture, there is no hierarchy, there are no big dogs or anything like that.

"I'm still that little kid running around off the field, but I feel like the boys are respecting me on the field now because I can do my job well.

"If I can lead the boys around well, I am sure I can get more respect from them. It's awesome to be back around the boys, and they're keeping me grounded, that's for sure.

"Dan is pretty straight up, he always tells me if there are things to improve on and he keeps me grounded as well which is really good considering I'm young and copping all of this publicity.

"He just tells me to keep working and try to get better every day."

The Brumbies have a bye in round two before facing the NSW Waratahs at Sydney Olympic Park on July 18.

The Brumbies vanquished the Waratahs in their final game of the original Super Rugby season, when the coronavirus outbreak hit to leave officials and fans wondering if it would be the last game played all year.

A revamped competition pits Australia's sides against each other all year, while officials have opened discussions about the prospect of breaking away to form a trans-Tasman competition next season.

For now the Brumbies' focus remains on clearing out their own backyard in a five-team tournament Lolesio has declared the ACT is desperate to win.

"It's really good, it's awesome. It's all just Aussie derbies every weekend, what more could you want?," Lolesio said.

"It is unfortunate we can't play against New Zealand teams or South African teams, but I don't think much about it. Once the squad found out it was an Aussie comp, we all bought in. We want to win this thing.

"Everyone always gets up for Tah week and I'm sure they'll be hurting after we played them last time. I bet they will come out firing and we've just got to do our job, recover well before the bye and not get complacent."