Billy Pollard and Reesjan Pasitoa had the biggest names in rugby league knocking on their doors in a bid to get them to chase a career in the NRL.
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The reason why they politely declined the likes of Wayne Bennett, Craig Bellamy and Trent Robinson is the same reason ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is excited for the future.
Pollard will officially sign a Brumbies deal on Wednesday morning, joining Australian schools and under-18s teammate Pasitoa in McKellar's extended squad.
They will be a part of the next-gen Brumbies, who have the task of filling the shoes of Christian Leaiifano, David Pocock, Henry Speight and Sam Carter when the 2020 season begins.
Hooker Pollard will be given time to build up his body to cope with Super Rugby intensity, while Pasitoa is a genuine option to fill the chief playmaker duties to replace Lealiifano.
Their arrival in Canberra comes as Australian rugby continues to battle through a lean period, which has led to decline in interest in Super Rugby and the sport becoming an easy target for critics.
McKellar, however, says the rise of Pollard and Pasitoa, and their decision to spurn the NRL, is proof there's light at the end of the tunnel.
"Billy's a great player - they were all chasing him [for rugby league contracts]," McKellar said.
"We got him down to show him our environment. He's a young hooker and he's got a lot of development in him, but as a natural footballer with that raw aggression and wanting to compete, you can't coach that.
"He's an exciting prospect and we've got an a lot of exciting young prospects.
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"Rugby is a truly global game. If you've got the opportunity to have a long career at the Brumbies and play all over the world, it's a pretty special and unique sport. That's something we [as a game] probably under sell at times."
Pollard and Pasitoa played under the guidance of Brumbies attack coach Peter Hewat in the junior ranks this year, with the Australian schools and under-18s beating New Zealand for the first time in seven years.
"I am very excited to be able to sign for the Brumbies," Pollard said. "The club is well-known for giving young players an opportunity and helping them to develop in their career.
"I am looking forward to working with Dan and Laurie [Fisher] and learning off some of the best front row forwards in the country. The Brumbies set-piece is one of the best around and I can't wait to get started."
Pollard is a powerfully-built rake, who made the transition to the front row two years ago.
"He's very mobile, a powerful runner and reminds me of someone like [All Blacks hooker] Dan Coles. He loves the physical stuff," Hewat said.
Pasitoa is a highly-rated flyhalf prospect, who attracted interest from the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters before joining the Brumbies.
"He's had a special couple of years at school, we're excited about him. Good kicking game, good runner ... I think being in our program will sharpen him up. He's got a lot of talent," Hewat said.
The Brumbies have also secured rising schoolboy scrumhalf Lachlan Albert and raw lock Callum MacDonald to bolster their junior program.
More young gun recruits could follow before the season begins next year, while Pollard and Pasitoa will start their careers just weeks after finishing high school when the Brumbies start pre-season training on Monday.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs were one of several clubs trying to woo Pollard, while Pasitoa attracted was on the Storm and Roosters' radars.
Pasitoa is set to compete with Noah Lolesio and Bayley Kuenzle for the Brumbies' flyhalf role next season, with all three rookies using pre-season training to press their claims for selection.
"We've got to nurture that talent to bring them through the system," Hewat said.
"Keeping two of the most sought-after schoolboys in our game, that's a bonus for rugby. We've just got to keep continuing to be successful at that junior age group because they want to stay together.
"From being involved and watching vision, there's a lot of talent coming through in Australian rugby. It's good signs.
"We've got to put them in good systems and bring them through. The big thing is getting kids coming through and having them used to winning. Winning is contagious, so that when they do come to [Super Rugby] they win here and then win at a Wallaby level.
"That's so important, it can build confidence. It's up to us to keep developing and nurturing that talent, but it's exciting times ahead."
BRUMBIES 2020 DRAW
January 31: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.
February 7: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.
February 15: ACT Brumbies v Otago Highlanders at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.
February 22: Waikato Chiefs v ACT Brumbies at Hamilton, 5.05pm.
March 8: Japan Sunwolves v ACT Brumbies at Osaka, 3.15pm.
March 15: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.
March 21: Auckland Blues v ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 5.35pm.
March 27: Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies at Brisbane, 7.15pm.
April 4: ACT Brumbies v Wellington Hurricanes at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.
April 12: ACT Brumbies v Argentina Jaguares at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.
April 25: Durban Sharks v ACT Brumbies at Durban, 10.05pm.
May 3: Pretoria Bulls v ACT Brumbies at Pretoria, 1.45am.
May 9: ACT Brumbies v Cape Town Stormers at TBC, 7.15pm.
May 15: Melbourne Rebels v ACT Brumbies at Melbourne, 7.15pm.
May 23: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies at Parramatta, 7.15pm.
May 29: ACT Brumbies v Japan Sunwolves at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.
June 6: Week one finals
June 13: Week two finals
June 20: Grand final