Kurtley Beale says he would love to play for the Wallabies again, and knows his golden ticket could be earned by guiding the Western Force into the Super Rugby Pacific finals.
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Beale has made an immense impact at the Force since signing a short-term contract last month, with the side winning three of their five games since.
The 35-year-old has notched 95 caps for the Wallabies - the last in 2021 - but his international career looked over when he was stood down from rugby in January, 2023, after sexual assault allegations were levelled against him.
The veteran back was found not guilty in February this year.
Beale jumped at the chance to join the Force when coach Simon Cron came calling, and he hopes to work his way back into the Wallabies' set-up.
"Yeah absolutely. It's definitely a desire," Beale said on Monday.
"But I know I've just got to keep playing some footy now
"I'm doing that here at the Force and trying to have an impact here.
"Push the team to a final series is my main focus at the moment."
New Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was on hand to witness Beale produce a masterclass when the Force destroyed Fijian Drua 48-10 in Perth a fortnight ago.
The Force followed it up with a 27-7 win over the Waratahs last week, with the result propelling them to within two points of eighth spot.
One more win could be enough to secure a finals berth, but they face a tough finish to the season with games against the fifth-placed Reds (away) and third-placed Brumbies (home).
Beale has had some brief chats with Schmidt about international selection and the message has been clear: Get lots of rugby under your belt.
Although most 35-year-olds have already retired from international rugby, Beale is feeling fresh and has more to give.
"I think being out (for that period) has enabled me to put a lot of focus on my physical and mental wellbeing," Beale said.
"I've trained a lot, I did a lot of mental work in terms of making sure I'm in the right headspace.
"And being away from the game, it actually made me appreciate the game a lot more, which is really nice.
"I'm just absolutely loving being back playing rugby."
Beale's contract at the Force runs out at the end of the season.
But with Beale enjoying life living near Cottesloe beach, he indicated he would love to keep playing with the Force next season.
"It's a beautiful city, Perth," Beale said.
"It's a great club here. Great people within it and everyone's all wanting to push for success.
"If things work out, that'd be great. But my focus is just trying to push the team for the final series, and it's an exciting challenge."
Beale's wife is due to give birth to their second child on Wednesday.
Despite the chaotic days ahead, he is confident he'll be available for Saturday night's crunch clash with the Reds in Brisbane.
Australian Associated Press
