The former Wests Tigers, Brisbane and South Sydney backrower Ben Te'o will enter rugby union's Six Nations tournament revitalised by six weeks back in Australia, at his own expense, to rehabilitate a serious ankle injury.
Te'o sustained a high sprain to the joint on club duty for Worcester in October.
He has undergone an operation that involved the insertion of a tightrope, plates and screws but jetted into Brisbane to begin the healing process.
There the former NRL premiership winner trained under the guidance of Queensland State of Origin physio Rob Godbolt and North Queensland Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Andrew Croll.
Although permitted by England and Worcester to recover on the other side of the world, Te'o had to fund the trip himself and believes the thousands he outlaid was well spent as he targets a start against Italy on February 4.
"It was important for me to go away and I didn't mind picking up the tab because I know it is going to pay me back one day. It's worth it," Te'o said.
"When you get injuries there is not just the physical side but the mental side as well. To come back really, really motivated and refreshed is a big plus.
"I needed some nice firm surfaces to run on. The weather was another factor and just getting right away.
"I've done stuff like this before and I've always found it does pay me back eventually," Te'o said.
"Sometimes when you're rehabilitating at a club, there are other players too and you need to fit in. There it was all tailored towards me.
"I've had a really good run with injuries and sometimes it's just your time. You cop an injury, go away, reassess, get the hunger back and focus on the body.
"I'm good to go against Italy, if selected. I'll be ready. The ankle's feeling really good."
Te'o is competing with Jonathan Joseph for the outside centre berth at the Stadio Olimpico in what would be his first England appearance since last year's Grand Slam showdown with Ireland.
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