After turning his life and career around, Kurtley Beale is desperate for a Wallabies recall and, in particular, showcasing his deadly combination with Israel Folau on the international stage.
Beale hasn't worn the gold jumper since last year's British and Irish Lions series, missing the season-ending spring tour following shoulder surgery in a sorry conclusion to a year largely dogged by off-field turmoil.
But now thriving again back home at the NSW Waratahs after two years of Super Rugby at the Melbourne Rebels, Beale says he's learnt from his mistakes and ready to revive his international career.
"Growing up is obviously an experience that needed to be done, I guess," Beale told AAP.
"I'd have rather done it last year than a few years down the track because I'm feeling very good about myself. I'm very clear about what I want to do in life and I'm very happy.
"I'm very confident with the things I'm doing with myself at the moment. That's definitely helping me on the field.
"That experience (last year) definitely helped me become a better person that I want to be.
"A lot of people go through those situations and experiences in life and I'm no different.
"I'm just very glad that I got another opportunity with the Waratahs."
The 25-year-old is a shoo-in to be named on Thursday in coach Ewen McKenzie's 32-man Wallabies squad ahead of next month's three-Test series against France.
But with stiff competition for a backline starting spot, the former world player of the year nominee knows he needs to rediscover his electric best to hold down a position long-term.
Beale believes he can do that playing alongside Folau, with the two forming a potent attacking combination this season at the Waratahs.
"Give me a shot," he said. "I think I can definitely give that a big crack.
"That's what you play rugby for. As a young kid, you want to test yourself against the best and obviously you want to play with some of the best.
"To have the opportunity to play with some of the great players like Izzy and your Michael Hoopers, that's when you're at the pinnacle of your game.
"To pull on the gold jersey again would be a huge honour for myself.
"But it won't stop there. It will definitely be to play some exciting rugby and to try and play some consistent form leading into the World Cup the following year."
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