Len Ikitau was just a teenager with an NRL dream the last time the ACT Brumbies won a game in the sunshine state.
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It has been more than five years since Ben Alexander, Christian Lealiifano, Ita Vaea and the ACT Brumbies recorded a 29-0 shutout over the Queensland Reds in March 2015.
Back when Ikitau was playing rugby league at NRL nursery Marsden State High School. Back when he was an All Blacks fan - well, perhaps some things haven't changed quite so drastically in those five years.
So what has changed? For starters, Ikitau is now a 21-year-old Brumby, and he has set his sights on a Super Rugby AU clash with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.
The other difference? That day Alexander charged over for two tries to demolish the Reds stands as the Brumbies' last win in Queensland.
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The Brumbies have lost three games on the trot in Reds territory, with their last visit resulting in a humbling 36-14 defeat last year.
Now Ikitau and the ladder leading Brumbies are desperate to make a statement against a side many see as their main contenders for the Australian crown.
"Reds are a tough team, especially at home. The Brumbies haven't been going well when they visit up in Brisbane," Ikitau said.
"We just need to play our footy, we've been playing awesome footy over the past couple of weeks. It's just about backing our skill and we'll get the job done.
"I definitely think it is [the best test we could have before finals]. The Reds are, after us, the benchmark. They've got amazing players and they're going to be tough to beat."
Ikitau is desperate to hold his place in Brumbies coach Dan McKellar's squad for the top of the table clash, having scored his maiden Super Rugby try last week.
"I've been in the system for a while now. Whatever opportunity I get, I'm just going to take it," Ikitau said.
"That's what rugby is about, it's about pushing each other and making each other better. With the boys in there, it's a good challenge for us to keep getting better.
"It was an amazing feeling to put the ball over the line, all I had to do was just walk over. It's always good to put on a Brumbies jersey, I've been lucky enough to play a couple of games off the bench and I am just looking to take every opportunity as it comes.
"Depending on how many minutes I get, what I want to do is bring some energy, I want to back my skills."
SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND 10
Saturday: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies in Brisbane, 7.20pm.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
