Much has changed for Hunter Paisami since he last pulled on the gold jersey in September 2024.
This time last year, Paisami, 27, was short odds to be Joe Schmidt's starting inside centre against the British & Irish Lions after scoring three tries across seven Tests through Australia's July Series and Rugby Championship campaign.
Watch every game of the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
However, Paisami's decision to stay home for the Wallabies' Spring Tour to welcome his newborn son, Preston, alongside partner Chloe and daughter Peyton, has seen a seismic shift in the midfield pecking order.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's combination with Len Ikitau sparked global headlines after spearheading Australia's famous win over England and the pair are now Test incumbents after reprising their partnership twice more against Scotland and Ireland.
It leaves Paisami with an enormous battle to reclaim his starting jersey ahead of next month's Fiji clash but the 31-cap centre wouldn't have it any other way.
"Every day and every week you've got to try and be at your best, especially at this level," Paisami told reporters.
"Obviously gutted I wasn't on tour but I was glad that I was there for my little one and for my partner.
“But like I said, the boys played awesome footy on those three or four weeks on tour so it was good to watch.
"Obviously guys like Len are quality players and his combination with Su (Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii) worked out really good last year.
"From me, it's just put my head down and train and try and push for a spot."
Paisami battled injury and suspension through the Reds' 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season but showed glimpses of his best during an 11-game stint, including their qualifying final loss to eventual champions, the Crusaders.
Now, all eyes are fixed on the international season ahead with the British & Irish Lions - and an old teammate - casting a large shadow over the July 6 Test against Fiji.
Paisami remains "good mates" with Australian-born Lions centre Sione Tuipulotu from their playing days together in Melbourne but downplayed a potential midfield reunion, telling reporters he was focused on the Fijian challenge ahead.
"We're still good mates from afar," Paisami said of Tuipulotu.
"He's a skilful, powerful player so to see someone like him doing well on that side of the world is awesome."
"But for us, it's just trying to go out there (against Fiji) and do what we do at training.
"Stick to being us and stick to what we do as a group and what we're good at and then hopefully transfer that onto against the Lions."
Tickets to the July 6 Wallabies v Fiji Test at McDonald Jones Stadium are available here.
