Flyhalf Noah Lolesio looks to build on 'pretty iconic year' with ACT Brumbies

The 21-year-old flyhalf is back at Brumbies Headquarters in preparation for his second season - hard to believe given it took him just one year to establish himself as one of Australian rugby's brightest talents.

Indeed, Lolesio is entering the new campaign a far more accomplished player than he was a year ago, having helped guide the Brumbies to a Super Rugby AU crown and made his Wallabies debut in 2020.

But according to the Queenslander, there's not much difference between last preseason and this one.

"To be honest, there's not much [difference]. I'm trying to stick to the process and go day by day," Lolesio said following Thursday's training.

"This time last year, I'd be laughing if I thought I'd have the year I [did]. I don't really know what to think about except I had a solid year and I'm ready to rip in again."

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A five-week break at the Gold Coast gave Lolesio time to reflect on his breakout season, which ended with two Tests appearances at the Rugby Championship.

He wants to let his football continue to do the talking when the Brumbies launch their Super Rugby AU title defence against the Western Force on February 19, with Lolesio determined to reach new heights this season.

"It was a pretty iconic year for myself. [The break] was probably the only time I got to reflect on the season I had," Lolesio said.

"I just want to keep getting better, I'm still learning as well. I've only had one Super [Rugby] season and a couple of games for the Wallabies, I'm always willing to learn.

"You can't get too complacent with jobs like this, otherwise the other boys will take your spot."

Next month's kick-off will launch another busy year of Super Rugby, with Australian and New Zealand teams to meet in a five-round competition following the domestic season.

Auckland-born Lolesio is excited to test himself against all Aotearoa teams, having only played the Otago Highlanders and Canterbury Crusaders last season.

"It's awesome, Australian derbies are really cool but I got the opportunity to play a couple of Kiwi teams last year and they were pretty exciting games," Lolesio said.

The Brumbies, meanwhile, finalised their backroom staff this week with appointments of Brad Mayo and Ed Hollis.

New Zealand-born Mayo joins the club as head of performance after a stint with the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, where he worked alongside Wallabies coach Dave Rennie.

Head physiotherapist Hollis returns to the Brumbies for his third stint with the club, bringing more than 25 years experience in elite sport.

"It's great to be able have professionals of the class of Brad and Ed to our staff this season," Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.

"Both of them have been involved in successful High Performance programs before and are a great fit here at the Brumbies. I know as a staff group we're all highly motivated and excited ahead of the new season kicking off on February 19."