Wallabies fullback Tom Banks admitted he thought his chances to pull on the gold jersey again in 2022 were over as he looks to make the position his own against Scotland.
Banks will play his first game since breaking his arm in the opening half of the first Test of the year against England.
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Despite making his debut in 2018, Sunday's (AEDT) clash with Scotland will be the first time the departing Brumby will play in Europe, missing last year's tour with another arm injury.
With the 28-year-old off to Japan, he thought his time in the Wallabies set-up could've been over before a call-up and strong showings with Australia A brought him back into contention.
“Honestly, probably not,” Banks said when asked if he thought he’d be back in a gold jersey this year.
“I credit ‘Rens’ for keeping me around, got to go to Japan with a couple of the boys and play some good footy. I’m really thankful for the coaching staff for bringing me back in.
“(Spring Tour) was always the plan to aim for but it’s a tough one because there’s a lot of competition in the outside backs and it’s an overall very competitive environment.
“To be over here, I’m really thankful.”
Banks admitted he has lacked consistency in the past, believing he needs to further his connection and relationship with key playmakers such as Bernard Foley and Tate McDermott.
“I probably wanted to play a bit more consistently (in the past),” he admits.
“It is a step up to International level so trying to build that consistency and then work those relationships with the boys which is really what I’ve tried to in camp so far with ‘Nard (Foley) and Tate (McDermott).
“I think a lot of that is to do with connections so that’s been a main work on for me.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has made it clear Banks remains the first-choice despite the likes of Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright and Reece Hodge being used in the past.
However, his departure overseas raises questions surrounding his future in the gold jersey beyond 2022.
With just three overseas selections available, Banks will have five Tests to stake his claim as the likes of Marika Koroibete, Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Rory Arnold watch on from Japan.
“I think not a lot changes,” he explained.
“Performances speak for themselves so I just have to go out and do my job. I need to be solid in that role but in terms of moving forward, it’s hard with contentions with spots and who knows what will happen with competition for spots.
“All I can do is play my best footy and put my hand up.”
