Brumbies fullback Tom Wright has set his aspirations towards becoming one of the best fullbacks in the world after re-signing with the club for another two years.
Wright's extension until 2025 continues to lock down the core of Stephen Larkham's squad for the future, having already confirmed 31 players for 2024 back in April.
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The 25-year-old feels indebted to the club after making the move back from rugby league in 2018, turning down offers from overseas and the NRL.
“I was excited by the opportunity given to me and definitely had a lot of aspirations on my way down here. Didn’t bring as many layers as I own now but in hindsight, it’s been the best four and a bit years of my life so far," Wright told reporters.
“Extremely happy for my own backyard but also grateful for the club for investing in me early and giving me an opportunity to stay on.
“I have a genuine love for this club because they gave me the opportunity and took a small gamble on me coming from rugby league…to come here and start my craft again, I can’t be more thankful.”
With each re-signing, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones' quotes have been fascinating to dissect in the subsequent media releases. It started with the straight batted 'we'll be watching their performances' but has now seen others receive a challenge from the new boss as the Rugby Championship and World Cup approaches.
This was clear when he called on Reds backrower Harry Wilson to "work harder to fulfil his talent." For Wright, it was clear to see what Jones thinks of him: “Tom has the ability to be the world’s best fullback. That’s the challenge for him, how much more can he find?”
The fullback is up for the challenge, starting with guiding the Brumbies to the Super Rugby title.
“I try not to read too much of that because it’s very flattering…I'd be selling myself short if I didn't want to be (the world's best fullback)," Wright said on Eddie’s quote.
"I don't come in here every day to just get by. Signing on for two more years, I've got a little bit of time to keep working towards that goal.
"Obviously we've got that big dance at the end of this year everyone keeps talking about over in France, but we've got a big five weeks coming up. We’re not talking about two or three weeks because we’re not aiming to bow out early.
“If I wasn’t aiming for (the Wallabies fullback jersey) I’d be selling myself short and probably setting yourself up for failure…The only way I'm gonna get to that goal is to play good football for the Brumbies and then do it for the Wallabies off the back of that."
Wright gets the perfect chance to prove himself against one of the best in the world Damian McKenzie.
The top-four clash against the title favourites provides the perfect opportunity for Wright and the Brumbies to make a statement as the finals approach.
“These are the games you live for, circle on the calendar for a number of weeks,” he added. “They’re playing phenomenal football and sitting at the top of the table for a reason.
“It’s going to be a conflict of styles. We don’t want to play into their hands and what they are good at, especially from a backline perspective. You look at (Damian) McKenzie and (Shaun) Stevenson, they’re probably some of the form players of the competition.
“You want to challenge yourself against the best and that’s what we’re going to do.”
