The first thing Dan Hooper noticed about the next generation of Australian rugby was how big the teenage players were.
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Then he saw a group of ACT Brumbies juniors mixing it with the best in the country and he was convinced it's not all doom and gloom for the game, despite the constant criticism.
Hooper and seven Brumbies academy players were invited to a national camp in Queensland earlier this week as Rugby Australia invests in its pathway systems.
The Brumbies relaunched their academy program two years ago to unearth new players, and so far the Super Rugby squad is reaping the rewards.
Hooper, the Brumbies academy coach, has been trying to identify future stars and is confident the next crop is taking giant strides towards their Super Rugby ambitions.
"There were some massive kids up there. We've always been out-sized by New Zealand at schoolboy level, but I think we might be turning the corner," Hooper said.
"There were some absolute monsters there. I think we've got a good 12 months ahead, especially at the Brumbies."
Australian rugby has struggled to break the bad-news shackles in recent years, lurching from drama to drama and failing to connect with the sport's fans and players.
But Hooper says there is reason for hope having had a close look at 50 talented juniors.
Miller Tauiliili-Pelesasa, Tony Alofipo, Willie Delamere, Pat Maka, Chris Mickelson, Liam Bowron and Mattias Jensen formed the Brumbies' contingent.
They are hoping to follow in the footsteps of players like Joe Powell, Mack Hansen, Tom Ross, Noah Lolesio, Darcy Swain, Ryan Lonergan and Lachlan Lonergan in using the academy to launch their careers.
Some of the young Brumbies will make their mark on Super Rugby next year, while others get a shot in the Australian under-20s program.
"We were happy to get seven in and there will be a few more come into the frame next year," Hooper said.
"We've always had the players, but they haven't always had the opportunity to train at a semi-professional level. That's what the difference is now."