Long before Brumbies coach Dan McKellar, and Wallabies boss Dave Rennie discovered Len Ikitau, Darcy Swain knew his old schoolmate possessed a rare rugby talent.
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But it's what Ikitau did in the Tuggeranong Vikings gym soon after moving from Queensland to Canberra that has always stuck with Swain.
"He had a big left-foot step on him and two massive shoulders, I remember he came out of school for his first session down at Vikings and the man was benching 140 [kilograms] for [a set of] eight - as an 18 year old - it was just ridiculous," Swain said.
"I can't even bench 120 kilos for one. Honestly it was just crazy.
"He's a big unit. He's one of the most physical centres in the game. On top of that he's just elusive and he's got great skills and he's always had that from a young age and he's just gotten better every year."
Rugby Australia and the Brumbies announced on Tuesday that Ikitau had signed on for a further two seasons, as revealed in The Canberra Times.
It marked the next significant checkpoint on Ikitau's professional rugby journey, five years on from being implored by Swain at the end of 2016 to move to Canberra.
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The pair had schooled together at Brisbane Boys College, and Swain had already blazed the trail himself, in pursuit of a Brumbies contract.
Ikitau took the plunge and moved to Canberra, joining the Tuggeranong Vikings while taking work as a labourer and training with the Brumbies Academy at night.
A contract was not initially forthcoming, and the Wallabies centre came close to throwing the towel in and heading home on multiple occasions.
Swain intervened again.
"Darcy knows the situation, there was a couple of times where I just wanted to go home and he stopped me from doing that so I'm just thankful for having Darcy there," Ikitau said.
"Every rugby player that wants to play professionally backs themselves. I guess I was backing myself. It was more just timing I guess, just waiting for an opportunity and it came."
Rennie brought Ikitau into the Wallabies fold last spring, but he didn't play a single minute for his country.
The Wallabies coach had noticed what Swain and McKellar had previously, and knew he had a rare talent at his disposal. But for Ikitau, the experience was intimidating.
Fast forward 12 months and the classy outside back scored two tries on Saturday to help his country beat the World champion Springboks, and is expected to play a key role against Argentina this weekend.
"Dave messaged me last year, I thought someone was taking the piss," Ikitau said.
"When I was in the squad I was kind of too shy, I didn't really want to speak to anyone, I kept to myself. A year later it's different now, I'm more confident in myself and my ability so I'm just happy to be in the squad again."
The Wallabies clash with Argentina on Saturday in Townsville, chasing a third-straight win following their failed Bledisloe Cup campaign.
Swain, who grew up in Babinda three hours north of Townsville, said it was crucial Australia maintained their recent momentum against the Pumas.
"No one remembers winning two games against South Africa, but everyone will remember [if we end up] losing against Argentina," Swain said.
"We've got to be just as good if not better this weekend against a passionate Argentina."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
