'It's time to take it to another level': ACT Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio's burning Super Rugby AU ambition

"There was no chance I was bringing that back with me, my mum probably sleeps with it," the ACT Brumbies flyhalf laughed.

Lolesio's Test debut and the bottle green jersey bearing Indigenous Australian artwork that came with it was the realisation of a childhood dream, but it doubled as a nightmare for the now 21-year-old playmaker.

The Wallabies slumped to their biggest loss to New Zealand in 117 years of trans-Tasman Tests. Lolesio struggled to find his rhythm. He was turned inside out by Kiwi playmaker Richie Mo'unga. People wondered if he had been thrown in the deep end too early.

To be frank, Lolesio felt "ashamed".

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Now he is using a harsh learning experience as motivation to take his game to the next level leading into the Brumbies' Super Rugby AU season opener against a rebuilt Western Force outfit at Perth Oval on Friday night.

"Obviously it wasn't the greatest debut, I'm the first one to admit that. I was ashamed of my performance. I've learnt a lot since that," Lolesio said.

"To be honest, I think I'm better off having that game now, especially early in my career so I can just learn off that.

"I've taken heaps of stuff out of that game and I am trying to implement it in my game right now, just being much wiser with my decision-making. I'm trying to make up for it."

Wallabies coach Dave Rennie admits Lolesio's debut was far from the one so many had hoped for - but he knows this is a star on the rise who could become one of rugby's household names in a new beginning.

"It was a tough day for him, but it was a tough day for everyone wasn't it? It's just not easy for a 10 when you're battling in all parts of the game," Rennie said.

"It would have been a tough lesson, but he certainly responded well. He's very tough mentally, he's very determined, he's keen to learn and grow his game. He's prepared to work hard.

"It's exciting, he's certainly a very good player and someone we think has got a big future in the Wallaby jersey.

"I have no doubt Noah has got a much better understanding around game management and so on, just through the experience."

Lolesio took a step forward off the bench a week later in a thrilling win. He played like Rennie had seen him at Super Rugby AU level, confident and on top of the defence.

Now he returns in Brumbies colours for the first time in a Super Rugby AU game since leading the club to a grand final win last September.

The rising star enters his second season at the elite level with Test caps and a man of the match performance in the grand final to his name.

But "it's time to take it to another level now", and Lolesio's brutal introduction to the Test arena is fuelling his desire to become an even more dominant force.

How long Australia's first choice No. 10 James O'Connor has left remains to be seen. It opens the door for the likes of Lolesio and NSW Waratah Will Harrison on the road to the 2023 World Cup.

It is an exciting prospect for Australian rugby fans as the code enters a new era, with a fresh broadcast deal calling out for stars to light up television screens around the country.

"If you would have told me this time last year I would have had the year I had, I would have been laughing.

"It's happened so fast, but I've accepted the year I've had. It's time to take it to another level now.

"Obviously it would be nice to win the Super AU competition and the Trans-Tasman competition, but me and the boys here, we've had a conversation about taking it day by day, week by week.

"It's process-driven, and hopefully we can get some silverware before internationals. All I'm focusing on right now is letting my footy do the talking."

SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND ONE

Friday: Western Force v ACT Brumbies at Perth Oval, 9.55pm AEDT. Broadcast: Live on Stan Sport.

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. Noah Lolesio, 11. Mack Hansen, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Banks. Replacements: 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Harry Lloyd, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Tom Cusack, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.

Western Force squad: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Feleti Kaitu'u, 3. Santiago Medrano, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Fergus Lee Warner, 6. Tomas Lezana, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Ian Prior (c), 10. Jono Lance, 11. Marcel Brache, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Robert Kearney. Replacements: 16. Andrew Ready, 17. Angus Wagner, 18. Greg Holmes, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Tim Anstee, 21. Tomas Cubelli, 22. Jake McIntyre, 23. Richard Kahui.