Lachlan McCaffrey is refusing to let questions about an uncertain future creep into the back of his mind as he sets his sights on Super Rugby AU's crown.
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Uncertainty surrounding border closures and visa applications has left McCaffrey unsure when he will be able to return to Japan for a domestic campaign with Kyuden Voltex.
But the back-rower has brushed aside the unknowns to focus on the ACT Brumbies' tilt at grand final glory against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
A frantic 12-month period for McCaffrey suggests there would be few more deserving of a celebratory beer in the aftermath.
"I went from Super to Japan and straight back into Super, and it has been an unusually long season due to COVID," McCaffrey said.
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"It will be nice to just reflect on that last period after a good win on the weekend and lucky enough to get back to Kyuden Voltex in Japan as soon as all the visas go through. I'll get over there with my family and try to do well for next season.
"To be honest I just told managers can they just worry about that stuff. All my effort and energy goes into making sure we finish well for the Brumbies.
"I'm sure there are a few boys in the same boat, it will happen when it happens. I just want to put all my energy into this week and Saturday night."
Tickets have sold out for Saturday's decider with the Brumbies set to play in front of a 6000-strong crowd - their biggest since the domestic campaign began.
McCaffrey has called on the Canberra crowd to be the club's 16th man as they look to shut down a Reds outfit searching for its first win in the capital in six years.
"They're people, when we run out, we can look around and know they've got our back for the next 80 minutes," McCaffrey said.
"We said it after the last game when we went to 3000, everyone was saying it felt like there was 6000 or 10,000 there. I don't know if it's just the players getting accustomed to playing in front of lesser crowds. Everyone is really excited to play in front of 6000, hopefully it will feel like 25,000.
"Our goal was to finish first and get a home final. The other goal is to win it. We've ticked off that first goal which means we get to prepare at home, we wake up in our own beds, the routine is normal.
"Most importantly, we get to play at home in front of friends, family, and loved ones. That's what rugby is about. That 16th man is going to make a big difference."
SUPER RUGBY AU GRAND FINAL
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports journalist for The Canberra Times.
