Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis is ready for his second chance at the Wallabies, crediting a crucial piece of self-reflection in battling the injury issues of the past 12 months.
De Lutiis is the lone uncapped member of the 40-player Wallabies training squad set to come together in January ahead of the 2026 season.
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The 22-year-old found himself in a similar position to start the year, only for his nightmare run of injuries to continue.
The Southport School product fractured his wrist towards the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, with further complications with a plantar fascia injury limiting his time on the park.
It came off the back of a quad injury in 2024, with De Lutiis crediting Reds teammate Isaac Henry and club Head of Psychology Hayley Cronin with the idea of journaling his feelings to help deal with the emotions.
“I started a diary and have been writing down if I’m having a bad day, write what I’m feeling, and that really helps," he told Rugby.com.au.
“I probably started that towards the end of this year, and it’s been good to look back upon it and see how far I’ve come."
De Lutiis has always loomed large on selectors' radars, having made his Australia A debut before his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
The prop managed just three starts in 2025, yet his inclusion in next month's camp is a reminder of staying diligent in the quest for the ultimate goal.
“I was over the moon to have been selected for that starting camp, so I think [from] here on now, I'm just focusing on putting my best foot forward, trying to give the best results I can really," the prop said.
“The job’s not finished, it’s only just started. I’m trying not to get too ahead of myself in terms of that.
“...I think it obviously helps mentally that they can see you're working, and it’s a good thing to fall back onto knowing just because I’m injured, [it] doesn’t mean I can slack off. I have to stay focused, if not more focused.
“I really want to get a Wallabies cap this year. Whether that happens or not, it’s not really in my control. I can only put my best foot forward.”
This time around, De Lutiis is better prepared to handle the pressure and stress that comes with Test expectations and rumours with his trusty diary in hand.
“The first time it was like ‘oh my god, what’s happening’ and there is a lot of overthinking going on," he admits. “This time around, especially with the diary, it’s helped not to be as worried and focus on the task at hand.”
The work starts at Ballymore, with the young prop relishing the chance to go up against seasoned veterans such as Alex Hodgman, Aidan Ross and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen in past seasons.
“The first few games, it was a high-pressure environment, but the players and staff were amazing and allowed me to take a breath and realise that you’re here for a reason. You're not here just because someone decided you just need to be brought in; you're here to do a job," he explained.
“I think that was like one big takeaway for me, and then getting experience against international looseheads just makes me feel more confident that I can handle myself.
“Their ability to take you under their wing is amazing. They’re there to help you; they’re not throwing you to the wolves, but I think from now on is I’m trying to compete with them, and they are letting me know about it too, whereas before it was more about teaching techniques.
“We’re going head-to-head with each other, and it’s great.”
