ACT Brumbies fans and Noah Lolesio can breathe a sigh of relief, as Wallabies coach Dave Rennie confirmed he is still his number one pick for five-eighth heading into the Bledisloe Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Quade Cooper was brought into the 42-man squad following James O'Connor's injury and with 70 national caps under his belt, questions were asked about if Rennie would favour experience.
Rennie said Lolesio was still his number one pick out of the 21-year-old, Cooper, Reece Hodge and Matt Toomua for the number 10 jersey.
"I mean Noah has started the last three Tests, so it's fair to say that he is number one," he said.
"Quade's job is to come in here and and influence us a selectors. Likewise with Matt and with Reece, who gives us great utility value and played 79 minutes on the wing last Test.
"So look we will judge on what we see each day and who ends up starting or backing up will be based on guys earning the right to wear the jersey, so be based on how they train."
MORE IN SPORT
Cooper found out about his Wallabies selection over a coffee with Rennie, who had been keeping an eye on the flyhalf upon his return to Australia from Japan to bring more experience into the young squad.
The Kintetsu Liners player said he was very grateful for the opportunity and to be stepping back into a Wallabies camp.
"I probably didn't ever expect to be in this position," he said.
"I guess it's one of those things that you continue to work away, try and grow each day, and then an opportunity like this has been able to present itself and it's just a matter of making sure that you're available, and you're ready."
Even the experienced Wallaby is looking to learn and grow his game alongside Lolesio and others in the national side camp in the Gold Coast.
And is also ready to offer anything he can, whether it be support or answering any questions Lolesio may have for him.
"Even myself at 33, I'm here trying to learn, trying to soak up as much information as I can," he said.
"[Lolesio's] a phenomenal player, and I know he's gonna be a great player and a great asset to Australian rugby. His composure ... at the end of those Test matches, to be able to nail those kicks at goal already, shows a steady resolve in the kid.
"His a guy that's just so eager to learn, has a strong head on him and he looks to be a great leader in the number 10 jersey, so I'm really excited to be able to work with him ... learn as much as I can ... just have an exchange of information and ... be ready to grow myself."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
