Rodney Iona to make ACT Brumbies return in Super Rugby trial

Iona has been named at inside centre with emerging prospect Reesjan Pasitoa to take the reins at flyhalf for a trial match against the Western Force at Viking Park on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old was supposed to be bound for the United States after he signed a deal with the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby.

But the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic mean that deal is in jeopardy and now Iona could find himself with a second chance at the Brumbies, adamant a Super Rugby return is "always in the back of my mind".

The Samoan international played five games for the Brumbies in three years at the club from 2014 to 2016 before forging a career overseas in France and Spain.

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Iona returned to Australia and steered Gordon to a Shute Shield grand final win last year and returned to Brumbies headquarters during the pre-season when coach Dan McKellar offered him an opportunity to train with the defending champions.

"It's always in the back of my mind, playing Super Rugby again," Iona said.

"I'm just taking care of the now and let that take care of itself in the near future. That is a goal of mine, hopefully throughout the pre-season and now, in the game [on Tuesday], and show something that will do me justice there.

"Obviously pretty fortunate to go all over the world to play this lovely game we play. I was off to the US to play in the MLR. That isn't going too well so Dan gave me a call and I'm here now.

"It's awesome to be back. I spent a bit of time in the pre-season with the Brumbies and put in the hard work, and it has all come to life now. I worked pretty hard with the boys for nine weeks and I'm fortunate to get a start."

McKellar would welcome Iona back in the decks as injury cover having initially lured the former Tuggeranong Viking to the club when he was in need of an experienced head.

"Pre-season when I was putting the group together for that November-December block, it was just a pretty young and inexperienced group," McKellar said.

"At that stage I thought he was going to America to play for Utah. I just offered him the opportunity to come and train, he was excellent for Gordon last year in the Shute Shield and guided them to a premiership.

"I just wanted an experienced voice and worst case scenario, Rod is headed to America nice and fit, and in good shape. Always knowing America might not go ahead, and injuries happen in a collision sport. He would be a good player to have here as cover and it's proven.

"Really pleased he gets to wear the Brumbies jersey again because it's probably something he would have thought wouldn't happen."

SUPER RUGBY AU TRIAL

Tuesday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force at Viking Park, 6pm.

ACT Brumbies squad: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga'a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Nic White, 10. Reesjan Pasitoa, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Rod Iona, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Mack Hansen, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: Scott Sio, Harry Lloyd, Tom Ross, Connal McInerney, Lachlan Lonergan, Nick Frost, James Tucker, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ryan Lonergan, Junior Tupou, Reece Tapine, Noah Lolesio, Tom Haddad, Corey Toole.