The stars look finally to have aligned for Amy Lorenz with the proud Roma local expected to make her comeback in her home town at the Santos Festival of Rugby.
Lorenz, 20, hasn't played this year because of complications with a fracture to her right forearm yet now has the all-clear to resume her promising rugby sevens career for the Queensland Reds.
The Santos Festival of Rugby is the ideal setting with three games of women's sevens on Saturday week during the full day of rugby action that galvanises the regional hub.
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"I'm so excited if the chance comes. Most of all, I'd be really happy and proud to wear the Queensland jersey in my home town," Lorenz said.
"I'd be super grateful if I got to come back to play in front of family and friends. Hopefully, you help inspire some of the youngsters out there to think big as well."
Two years ago, she was a spectator to the main events at the Santos Festival of Rugby when her enjoyment on the field at Gallas Fox Park was for the Blood, Sweat and Beers team in the local sevens played at the same time.
Lorenz attended St John's School in Roma from Prep to Year 12 and played for the Roma Echidnas so her roots in the town are as deep as Roma's famed bottle trees.
Moving to the Sunshine Coast has her closer to training in Brisbane but those early days of 12-hour round trips from Roma to Brisbane to train with the Emerging Reds Sevens squad are still vivid.
"Dad used to do the road trip in one day in our old Ford Ranger so I always appreciate how much my family has contributed to me playing rugby," Lorenz said.
You don't know how much a message from a star or a simple autograph makes a huge difference when youngsters are forming thoughts of their own sporting futures.
Lorenz had 2016 Rio Olympics sevens gold medallist Emilee Cherry to idolise because of the Roma connection.
"I got a video and a good luck message from Emilee a few years ago to keep going in sevens. It definitely means a lot. It does help inspire you," Lorenz said.
Lorenz is a busy operator on field at halfback or hooker.
She'll also be an experienced tour guide for any of her teammates wanting a pointer to the best eats and drinks in town.
It's Paula & Po cafe for coffee and sweet treats. If it's a steak sandwich you are after, Lorenz recommends the Queen's Arms Hotel or The Club Hotel.
