Allan Alaalatoa feared he wouldn't get to take the Super Rugby Pacific field this season after throwing himself around for the Wallabies last year.
But after making a better-than-expected recovery, the ACT Brumbies tighthead prop insists he's ready to fire up and help his team overcome their slump in form.
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Alaalatoa added further misery to the Wallabies' disastrous end to 2025, when he injured his lower back and played the final games of the international season in discomfort.
When he returned to Australia, the 88-cap Wallaby felt he wasn't going to play for the Brumbies this season.
"It was pretty hard to face, because I've always wanted to be able to lace up the boots, pull on the jersey, and perform for the team," Alaalatoa said.
"I kept questioning myself whether I would be back or not, and it was frustrating at times.
"We didn't target any game ... that was the hardest part of the rehab, not really having a goal or something to aim for.
"It's probably a lot earlier than what we predicted, but in terms of where I'm at, I was ready to go a few weeks ago."
Coach Stephen Larkham opted to keep the prop on ice until after the bye week last round, and the 32-year-old's patience has been rewarded as he'll slot into the No.3 jersey against the Highlanders on Friday night in Dunedin.
Fellow Wallaby Lachlan Lonergan will also play his first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury picked up last July.
The star-studded additions come at a crucial time for the Brumbies, who have lost three of their last four matches and relinquished top spot on the ladder.
"It's good to get some players of experience come back towards the back end of the year because you want to be playing good footy," Alaalatoa said.
"To get out there and play for your first game, it's different. So it's going to be a good challenge."
The Highlanders are welcoming back their own tighthead prop in Saula Ma'u (shoulder) and lock Mitch Dunshea (calf), while Taine Robinson has been promoted to the fullback jersey.
All-Black Timoci Tavatavanawai and five-eighth Cameron Millar also return after being rested as the Highlanders look to ignite their finals hopes, having won just three times this campaign.
