Talei Wilson is dead-set serious when she says rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament was the best thing that happened to her.
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Months of rehab and a missed Super W season helped the ACT Brumbies fullback find her lost love of the game.
The unexpected benefit of the lengthy break was being able to step back and look at the bigger picture, before knuckling down to return a stronger player.
Wilson has started every match since making her Super W comeback this season and has now set her sights on being named in the Wallaroos squad.
"Having an injury was a pretty big blow but it was the best thing that's ever happened to me," Wilson said.
"I'm actually grateful I had that big injury because it gave me the ability to go back, knuckle down and play rugby for fun.
"I had been getting over it a bit to be honest. I was very lucky to get a scholarship through ACTAS and they helped me through my rehab, without that I wouldn't be on the field as strong as I am."
Her focus is now on helping the Brumbies strive towards their best finish in the regular season when they host the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.
A victory would see the third-placed Brumbies leapfrog Queensland to second, with only two points separating the clubs on the ladder.
"We've trained so hard this season, I feel like we've really jumped up the ladder with our ball and tackle skills," Wilson said.
"We had a pretty tough week to be honest. We want to believe we can actually beat Queensland, although we haven't before.
"It'll be a tough match but I'm confident, I'm in a bit of a different position than usual but I'm pretty ready to go."
MORE BRUMBIES NEWS
The 24-year-old Brumby has shifted to the wing for the Queensland clash to replace Gabrielle Peterson, who has been ruled out with a head knock.
Ainsley Scrivener will make her starting debut in the centres, while Wallaroo Rebecca Smyth returns from injury at openside flanker.
SUPER W ROUND FIVE
Sunday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 1.15pm
Team list: 1. Peta Cox, 2. Harriet Elleman, 3. Louise Burrows, 4. Michaela Leonard (c), 5. Emily Sogal, 6. Ema Masi, 7. Rebecca Smyth, 8. Zali Waihape-Andrews, 9. Jane Garraway (c), 10. Ella Ryan, 11. Darcy Read, 12. Sammie Wood,13. Ainsley Scrivener, 14. Talei Qalo Wilson, 15. Claudia Obst. Reserves: 16. Tania Afamasaga, 17. Niki Patterson, 18. Iris Verebalavu, 19. Grace Sullivan, 20. Pearl Rakete, 21. Phoebe Loughhead, 22. Pesi Palu, 23. Alyssa Pau.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
