They’re shaping up to be the long-term locking duo in Queensland and Izack Rodda and Lukhan Tui have finally been united in a Test camp.
The pair overtook starting Queensland second rowers Rob Simmons and Kane Douglas through the Super Rugby season, with Simmons ultimately released by the Reds, before signing with NSW.
Queensland had its first glimpse of the pair starting together when they combined against the Blues in round 15, after effectively alternating for much of the year.
In June it was Tui who had the first crack at the Wallabies squad, brought in despite not being a part of any national in-season camps, just three years after playing rugby for the first time.
Knee surgery forced Tui out of the Wallabies fold when the initial Rugby Championship squad was named, opening the door for Rodda to step into the second row void.
When Adam Coleman succumbed to a shoulder injury in Dunedin, Rodda snapped up a chance to make his Test debut.
The young pair went toe-to-toe in the NRC last weekend, Rodda playing for Queensland Country and Tui for City, in a rare chance to be opponents.
“That was a bit interesting,” Rodda said.
“It was a bit of fun, we threw a bit of chat at each other during the week and in the game but it was fun.”
Rodda was happy to see his clubmate back in the teal training shirt on Monday morning, keen to have every chance possible to continue to work on their partnership.
“It's a great opportunity. I've loved every minute of it (in camp),” he said.
“Now having Lukhan in as well, it's great to train off each other and build our camaraderie with each other.
“Because we sort of know how each other plays and we can sort of know what we're going to do and we can just adapt and sort of thing like that.”
The Walabies take on Argentina on Saturday September 16, kicking off at 8pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten, Win and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
