Super Rugby rookie Lachlan Lonergan will use the rise of fellow hooker Folau Faingaa as motivation to make his debut after signing the first professional deal of his career.
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Australian under-20s rake Lonergan has agreed to an two-year deal with the ACT Brumbies after starring for the junior Wallabies this year.
The Brumbies' No. 2 jersey has been a pathway to Wallabies gold since the start of Super Rugby 23 years ago and Lonergan will be following in the footsteps of Marco Caputo, Jeremy Paul and Stephen Moore.
The latest international Brumbies hooker is Faingaa, who was an unknown in Australian rugby less than two years ago.
The Brumbies will boast three former junior Wallabies hooker with Faingaa and Lonergan teaming up with Connal McInerney next year.
But Lonergan, 19, almost gave rugby away when a shoulder injury derailed his career when he left school.
"It's exciting. It's every little kid's dream growing up and it's good to say that I've got [a contract]," Lonergan said. "Folau and Connal are awesome people to learn off ... they give you tips and don't hide anything from you.
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"When I had my shoulder [injury] I lost my interest in footy. You're not hanging around with the boys and you're distant from the group.
"But since I've been back I've loved every minute and you realise why I play footy."
Lonergan grew up in Williamsdale playing front-yard rugby against older brother Ryan, who already has a Brumbies contract.
Now the pair could become the latest set of brothers to play for the club, following the likes of Saia and Anthony Faingaa and George and Tyrone Smith.
"We had our battles, [Ryan] was always really competitive," Lonergan grinned.
"When I saw Ryan make his debut I got goosebumps. When you're young you think it's impossible to get to the [Super Rugby] stage. That gives you hope, at the end of the day it's about how good you're playing."
The Brumbies are expected to officially sign Will Miller in the coming weeks to add more depth to the squad.