NRL convert Joseph Tomane admits he felt lost playing his first game for the ACT Brumbies and says patience is the key to making a successful transition into Super Rugby.
And while Tomane insists it is ''close to impossible'' to immediately return to the form which saw him become an Australian schoolboy rugby star, he is confident of having a major impact this year.
Former Gold Coast Titan Tomane got his first taste of professional rugby union when he suited up for the Brumbies in their trial against the Western Force in Darwin.
But after being thrust into an unfamiliar role at inside centre, Tomane conceded there was ample room for improvement before he reaches his peak.
''There were parts of the game [in Darwin] where I felt a bit lost, but all that will come back with time,'' Tomane said.
''I think it's going to take a little while, the game has changed so much since I last played.
''Trying to pick up from where I left is close to impossible, it's a completely different game.
''But I've got the coaching staff around me and with their experience I'm confident I'll be able to pick it up quickly.
''It's just important for me to stay patient and not rush ahead of myself when I'm not ready.''
For the past four years Tomane had tried to establish himself in the NRL with the Melbourne Storm and then the Titans.
Before switching to rugby league, he was an Australian schoolboy rugby union star and excelled at fullback or on the wing.
Now it is hoped a slimmed-down Tomane can add stiff defence and a powerful running game to the Brumbies' midfield when the season begins on February 24.
Tomane has already lost five kilograms in his bid to secure a spot in coach Jake White's regular rotation. But it remains unclear where he fits into the back line.
White and backs coach Stephen Larkham have been testing different combinations in preparation for the round-one clash with the Western Force at Canberra Stadium.
Tomane is not a traditional ball-playing inside centre. But his direct and destructive running game and supreme defence make him an attractive option to add starch to the back line.
The 21-year-old was so keen to join the Brumbies he arrived in Canberra before the Titans' NRL season had finished last year.
But he is still unsure whether he is suited to fill the No.12 spot and the Brumbies have two more trials to figure out where Tomane fits in.
''It would be good for me to learn a bit more of playing at number 12,'' Tomane said. ''But I'm obviously going to be more comfortable where I've played at outside centre, on the wing or at fullback.
''It was a completely different game for me at inside centre because you've got to call the plays and be more dominant.
''You've got to communicate with everyone and do a lot more organising which is something I'm not used to.''
The Brumbies flew to Cairns yesterday ahead of their clash with the defending champion Queensland Reds. They will return to Canberra on Sunday and play their last trial match against an ACT XV side on February 16.
This reporter is on Twitter: @blockadutton
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