Christian Lealiifano's journey back to rugby has taken him to some dark places, which is why his Super Rugby coach says he can be the calming influence the Wallabies need this weekend.
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Lealiifano will continue his career fairytale when he makes his international comeback in the Wallabies clash against Argentina, replacing Bernard Foley in the flyhalf role.
His first Test since being diagnosed with leukaemia will be almost exactly three years to the day since his life changed forever in August, 2016.
Lealiifano was at the peak of his powers when a check-up blood test discovered he was battling blood cancer.
He was rushed into hospital, started chemotherapy, had a bone-marrow transplant with sister Sally and took slow and calculated steps to restart his career.
Through the process he lost 12 kilograms, struggled with his iron levels and was told he may never play rugby again.
But ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar says Lealiifano's leadership this season proved he was capable of being a linchpin for the Wallabies' World Cup hopes and urged Test mentor Michael Cheika to give the playmaker an extended run in the No. 10 jersey.
"His leadership has developed massively, that's where he will bring value to the Wallabies," McKellar said.
"He will bring the team together and be that calm, composed leader that I think they need.
"Christian has always been really positive as a leader, that's his natural personality. What he developed was the ability to make others accountable and to drive standards.
"This is his first Test in three years. It's a great story. But it's important he gets time. He's playing with a lot of new players, you'd like to think it would be a pick and stick mentality."
Lealiifano is nearing the end of his 13-year Australian rugby career after announcing he will move to Japan after the World Cup campaign.
He made his international debut in 2013, but was cut down by illness in his prime and was robbed of three years of international action.
He also missed out on playing at the 2015 World Cup after being cut at the final selection stage, and that has driven him to reach greater heights this year.
But he also wants his rugby to do the talking. He has gained a huge amount of respect from around the world after fighting cancer and going into remission, with doctors meetings made less and less regular this year.
But he wants to gain respect for what he can do in a gold jersey.
"As usual, he downplays everything," Cheika said. "I want to see Christian succeed.
"Selection is one thing but I really want to see him succeed in his position here and be a strong part of this team going into the World Cup and I'll do everything I can as his coach to help him make it."
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Lealiifano's statistics this season also made a compelling case for his international recall.
He set career-high marks for try assists and linebreak assists, increased his defensive work load and led the Brumbies into the play-offs.
"He was a further 12 months down the track with his recovery this year. His health was back to a good place," McKellar said.
"He was in much better condition, he could play bigger minutes and his performances and leadership were at a much higher level. It comes back to him being healthier, stronger and fitter.
"I think he's earnt his opportunity. He deserves to get his opportunity off the back of his form from Super Rugby."
Lealiifano will view his Wallabies selection as exactly that: an opportunity.
It's a chance to edge closer to the World Cup berth he has been chasing for more than a decade. A chance to add to his 19 Wallabies caps.
"I think a lot of the leadership he showed during the season in Super Rugby was pivotal towards team success," said Wallabies and Brumbies prop Scott Sio.
"Just to see the way he handled being the captain and the flyhalf role was really impressive for me and the young guys coming through. He's brought a lot of those qualities to the Wallabies.
"It's a great vibe with him around the team. It's no secret he's been such a good team man over the years."
Lealiifano lost 12 kilograms as cancer treatment took a massive toll on his body. He has slowly built himself back up, playing his 150th and final game for the Brumbies before being knocked out of the finals.
"To have another year under my belt, to feel as healthy as I have been ... I'm holding weight a lot easier and being able to do what I want to do," Lealiifano said earlier this year.
"To have the fitness to do that as well, I definitely feel like I'm playing as good as I have since I was sick. I feel like I am back now."
Lealiifano gets his shot, but Cheika's selection rotation means Brumbies fullback Tom Banks has been left out after starting in a Test for the first time last week.
Kurtley Beale will fill the No. 15 jersey and James O'Connor will play his first Test since 2013 when he returns via the bench.
Sio is also back from injury and will start at loosehead prop, with James Slipper shifting to the bench.
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday: Wallabies v Argentina at Suncorp Stadium, 7.45pm.
Wallabies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. Izack Rodda, 5. Rory Arnold, 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 7. Michael Hooper, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Will Genia, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Samu Kerevi, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Reece Hodge, 15. Kurtley Beale. Reserves: 16. Tolu Latu, 17. James Slipper, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Rob Simmons, 20. Luke Jones, 21. Nic White, 22. Matt Toomua, 23. James O'Connor.