When Dave Rennie names his first Wallabies team of the year to play the All Blacks on October 11 few will expect Joe Powell's name to be read out.
Indeed, that very well may be the case. After all, the 26-year-old was pleasantly surprised to be recalled to the Wallabies when Rennie named his 44-man squad last month.
"Yeah a little bit, to be honest," the curly haired halfback told reporters on Friday from Christchurch.
"I thought I might have been playing club footy for the rest of the year, so I was really excited to get the late call-up into the squad, and (it's) not something I take for granted."
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It's been more than two years since Powell last wore the Wallabies jersey.
His sole appearance in 2018, which came after three cameos off the bench a year earlier, came in the tense series decider against Ireland in Sydney.
On that winter's night Powell showed plenty of vigour, but the polish wasn't yet in his game like it needed to be.
Powell spent time with the Wallabies in 2019, but wasn't called upon during the World Cup year.
But the arrival of Rennie at the Wallabies has wiped the slate clean, with every position very much open.
"I think with any new coach everyone’s trying to put their hand up and perform the best," Powell said.
"I think the selections he's already made in terms of the squad, there’s plenty of new faces so it exciting, a refreshing time to see some new blood in the squad."
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🤭 Don't do them like that, @JamesOConnor832!. #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/tSjGMJOpMa
— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 30, 2020
Powell is one of four halfbacks in the squad, with World Cup starting halfback Nic White once again favourite to wear the No.9 jersey while running threat Tate McDermott is also expected to be somewhere in the matchday squad.
In Powell, the Wallabies have a good team-man and someone who has been part of a successful Brumbies side that has regularly beaten New Zealand sides, including their stunning win across the ditch against the Chiefs earlier in the year.
Powell doesn't necessarily think he's grown too much from the young kid that first came into the Wallabies as a 22-year-old, but he admits his voice has grown within the group.
"My first time in this set-up I was 22, so I was probably a bit quieter and not as confident around the group, I’d just listen a lot more," he said.
"Having the opportunity at the Brumbies to be a part of the leadership group has helped me out a lot, and I’ve enjoyed."
Whether or not he plays a part over the next fortnight in the Bledisloe Cup series, Australian rugby will see plenty more of Powell in the seasons to come.
In a boost for the code during these uncertain COVID-19 times, the experienced halfback put pen to paper to sign a new two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels.
His retention is exactly what Australian rugby needs, with experience in key positions important for the progression of the game Down Under.
Powell said the pursuit of the Wallabies jersey was still a lure for Australian players.
"Playing for the Wallabies a is a huge part of why want to stay in Australian rugby," he said.
"Definitely happy that the Rebels are there to give me an opportunity to continue to play in Australia."
