For the former Wallaby and a man who has spent much of his adult life having to deal with the grinding burden of public expectation, it was an unusual position to be in.

It is also an indication of just how much life has changed for Huxley since the 30-year-old's rugby career was brought to a shocking and immediate halt.

Huxley hasn't played rugby since March last year, when the then ACT Brumbies fullback was diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain tumour.

Eighteen months on and Huxley admitted he was unlikely to return to the field despite still harbouring the desire to play.

But that's not an acceptance that has come easily.

''It was frustrating to have waited my time behind so many great players, only to finally get a crack at the Wallabies and then find out I've got a brain tumour,'' Huxley said.

''For a while afterward I was hell-bent on playing rugby again and to be honest in my heart of hearts it is probably something I would like to do. The legal issues involved mean it most likely won't be happening though.''

The tumour was only discovered after Huxley was concussed and suffered convulsions on the field following an attempted tackle on Queensland's James Horwill.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times