Jordan Uelese hasn't played rugby for almost a year but the Melbourne Rebels hooker feels in the best shape of his career as he looks to stake a claim for a World Cup berth.
The 22-year-old is hopeful of playing in the Rebels' next Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes after finally overcoming a knee injury suffered last June.
He says he only has to "tick a few boxes" at training next week to play.
The reconstruction and subsequent infection cruelled his plans of adding to his two Wallabies caps, earned in 2017, but Uelese feels he still has time to build a case for selection with rugby's showpiece tournament in Japan looming.
Given he was included in a Wallabies contingent visiting a Melbourne school on Thursday, he appears to be well in the mix.
"I'm hoping that that hooker spot is still up for grabs and I feel like I've got a lot to give and want to push my claim for the World Cup," Uelese told AAP.
"Having so much time off I've had time to work on the rest of my body and I feel I'm in the best shape I've ever been in my life."
The Wallabies' No. 2 spot is one of the more contentious positions.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Folau Fainga'a and Tatafu Polota-Nau all started in various Tests while Waratahs rake Tolu Latu didn't do himself any favours with a six week Super Rugby suspension.
Rebels starting hooker Anaru Rangi has been one of his team's most consistent performers but the Kiwi-born veteran doesn't appear to be favoured by Australian selectors.
Uelese said the form of Rangi, as well as Melbourne's other hookers Robbie Abel and Hugh Roach, has motivated him in his comeback.
"Having the hookers we've got at the Rebels mean I haven't had to rush my recovery, so it's been a blessing in disguise," he said.
"I'm grateful to have the competition there to push me to get better."
Coming off a disappointing loss to NSW, the Rebels have the bye this week before a Saturday afternoon clash in Wellington, where they have yet to win.
