After a season spent readjusting to the 15-man game, Caleb Timu is set to make his Super Rugby debut in a country very close to his heart.
The former Brisbane Bronco was touted as a top back row talent upon signing with the Reds in April last year but a knee injury eliminated any chance he had of making his debut last year.
He has been a regular starter for the Magpies at blindside flanker and is now set to get his first crack at Super Rugby level in the country where his parents were born and raised - Samoa.
"The injury was a bit of a setback but I also see it as a bit of a blessing," he said.
"It allowed me to really learn the game and to be able to play club for Souths this year has really helped me develop.
"Whenever the opportunity comes, I will take it with both hands."
Timu's best asset is his ball carrying.
He is extremely explosive with ball in hand and always bends the opposition's defensive line.
At just 23, Timu still has plenty of rugby left in him but he has found it hard to crack a Reds backrow that has featured Hendrik Tui, George Smith, Scott Higginbotham, Adam Korczyk and Leroy Houston this season.
"They're guys that I've watched and idolised as rugby players," he said.
"Just learning from them and talking to them has really helped me as well."
While Timu spent his first few years after school playing rugby league, he is a Nudgee College product.
He knows the 15-man game and what he can bring to the team from the bench.
"I hope to bring impact off the bench and physicality in both attack and defence if I do get the opportunity, I'll give it my all," he said.
"If I did get the opportunity it would be massive, it would be a dream come true.
"I just have to keep putting my head down, keep working hard and if it comes, it comes."
The Reds take on the Blues in Apia on Friday night, kicking off at 5:35pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
