Last Saturday’s Wallabies-Argentina Test was ‘hard to watch’ for Rays centre Curtis Rona.
Three-Test back Rona said the shock 23-19 loss did not make for easy viewing and he felt for the players, many of them his teammates and friends, after the shock defeat.
“It was hard to watch because I know what those players can do out there and as much as they'll be hurting I know that they'll be getting ready for a massive tour to Argentina and South Africa where they need to start performing I guess,” he said.
“It was a harsh game to watch and hopefully the boys bounce back and hope they get up for the next game.”
Rona has been on the fringes of the Wallabies squad this season, overlooked at 13 for Reece Hodge after injuries to Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani.
The 26-year-old has his own Test ambitions as he works through the NRC this season with the Rays but he admitted he still had work to do to return to the squad.
“It'd be good to be involved in the Wallabies at the moment,” he said.
“At the moment, I just need to focus on NRC and hopefully it all works itself out.
“I think I’ve just got to play with confidence... haven't spoken to him (Wallabies coach Michael Cheika) too much but all I can do is just think about my personal playing and selection will figure out itself.”
Rona also threw his support behind Wallabies flanker Lukhan Tui, who was involved in an altercation with a fan post-match after an emotional week.
Tui told teammates after the game that he was considering walking away from rugby for the rest of the year and Rona said the rugby community should support Tui whatever he decides.
“I understand the frustration with the fans and the players but I think just it must have just boiled over (in) the spur of the moment ,” he said.
“It wasn't good scenes for Australian rugby or Australian sports but I know Lukhan's going through a bit of a rough patch and he needs all the support he can get from not just the players but the public as well.
“I'll stand by Lukhan and whatever decision he's going to make to either play footy or have a rest, I understand where he's coming from.
“He's a kind-hearted guy and people might perceive what they've seen (a certain way) but he's quite genuine.”
The Sydney Rays take on NSW Country at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night, kicking off at 7:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
