Ryan Lonergan has spent much of his career waiting in the wings for a Wallabies opportunity, and now believes he has a chance to become a mainstay in the national set-up as he credits his second home for keeping perspective.
The 28-year-old is expected to dazzle for the ACT Brumbies in his milestone 100th Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday, having orchestrated tries, scored his own and registered a huge number of passes this season.
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Lonergan's Super campaign has only strengthened his case for another Wallabies call-up after making his international debut last year.
It also comes as he looks to cement the Wallabies No.9 jersey ahead of next year's home Rugby World Cup, having been overlooked previously for Jake Gordon, Tate McDermott and Nic White, despite getting a first call-up in 2021.
After a strong start to the season, the door has opened for Lonergan to finally take the starting spot, having previously come off the bench.
"I think I have a chance (of making the Wallabies). I was in there last year, and I feel like I've been playing pretty well. We'll see what happens," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"I just need to keep working on the (skills) required at Test rugby level. I also need to just stay composed in the big moments. That's one of the big things for me.
"If I win a title, it probably goes a long way to (helping) my case."
Lonergan, who marked his 28th birthday on Monday, said his glittering start to the season was partly thanks to the time he spends on his childhood farm at Williamsdale, about a 30-minute drive south of Canberra.
He loves spending time with his family, and also goes out to the paddocks at least twice a week, helping with jobs such as fencing and rounding up sheep.
"It's just home for me, really. It's a great way for me to be able to disconnect from not only rugby, but just everything else in the world," Lonergan said.
"We might have a whole day of meetings and frustrations, and it seems to be the most important thing in the world. Then you come out here, and it puts things in a bit of perspective."
Lonergan is turning his attention to the Brumbies' clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night, as the side look to bounce back after losing three of their past four games.
"We have to lift our training standards. That was the main theme from it (the bye last round)," he said.
"It's on us as leaders to just drive those standards throughout, because we did see it fade."
