The ACT Brumbies have declared David Pocock is ready to break the shackles of his injury nightmare, but it's the surprise comeback of Ita Vaea that has shocked players as they prepare for their first pre-season trial.
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Vaea flew to Perth with the Brumbies on Thursday, just hours after being called into the squad to play the Western Force on Friday night as an injury replacement for Fotu Auelua.
It comes more than two years after his career appeared over when scans showed life-threatening blood clots on his heart, which could have led to a stroke during a game.
Doctors told him he would never play again, but Vaea refused to give up hope of one day reviving his career.
While former Wallabies captain Pocock will command much of the attention in his return from two knee reconstructions, Vaea's surprise appearance is the start of the 25-year-old blockbusting back-rower's journey back to Super Rugby.
He doesn't have a contract for the 2015 Super Rugby season but could force his way on to the Brumbies roster.
"I'm just relieved to see [Vaea] back playing again and healthy," said Christian Lealiifano.
"I'm excited as well, he's a super talent and I'm glad he's around. It's a credit to Ita and the support that's been around him ... we thought [rugby] was probably done for him, but to see him bounce back is very exciting."
Vaea looms as a outside chance to play in the opening round of the Super Rugby season on February 13 if he can prove he is up to the challenge and Auelua is ruled out of action with a knee injury.
Vaea turned down an offer to join French club Grenoble at the end of last year to have one last crack at Super Rugby.
Coach Stephen Larkham called Vaea, who has dropped more than 20 kilograms since being cleared to train again, into the touring party on Wednesday.
"He's a smart footballer," Larkham said. "There's no expectation on him to have a blinder. The key for Ita is to continue working on his fitness, there's no expectation he'll wow people.
"But he's a good fit, he looks good and we're certainly excited to have him back."
The Brumbies will roll out seven new faces and eight Wallabies for their first pre-season trial.
Captain Stephen Moore, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter and Tevita Kuridrani have been given an extra week to rest before returning next week, with Moore on track to be fit for the opening round clash against the Queensland Reds.
Pocock has played just five Super Rugby games in the past two seasons since joining the Brumbies from the Force. The 45 Test Wallaby flanker ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Perth last year.
"He's good to go, the last couple of years we haven't been sure if he was good to go but he's more than ready to play," Larkham said.
"He's had a tremendous pre-season, he's strong and confident and wants to play as long as he can in this game.
"But we have to rotate everyone through the game, he'll see at least 40 minutes [against the Force], not because of concern or anything, it's just we have to rotate everyone on to the field."
With less than three weeks before the start of the season, Larkham will try new players in new positions.
Robbie Coleman will get a stint at five-eighth while recruit James Dargaville will slot in at inside-centre to prove he is ready to make his Super Rugby debut.
BRUMBIES TRIALS
January 23: Western Force v ACT Brumbies at McGillivray Oval, Perth, 8pm.
January 31: Brumbies v Otago Highlanders in Wagga Wagga, 7pm.
The Brumbies will take a supporters' bus to the trial match in Wagga. It will leave Canberra at 3pm and return at midnight. Seats on the bus start from $40. For more information email J.Saunders@brumbies.com.au or call 6283 8516.
