Out of favour Wallabies back Curtis Rona says he needs to play with confidence to force himself back into Test rugby reckoning.
The NSW Waratahs centre-wing was named in Michael Chieka's training camp in early August and was widely considered a contender for the Wallabies' starting outside centre spot after injuries to Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani.
However, the three-time capped international was omitted from the squad for the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand later in the month, with utility back Reece Hodge chosen at No.13.
Rona remained on the outer for the next three Rugby Championship games and could still find himself there later this week, when the squad for games away to South Africa and Argentina is announced.
The 26-year-old will turn out for the Sydney Rays in an intrastate derby against NSW Country in Sydney on Wednesday.
Asked what felt he needed to do to force his way back into Wallabies contention, Rona said: "I think I've just got to play with confidence.
"I haven't spoken to him (Cheika) too much about where I stand, so all I can do is think about playing and the selection will figure out itself.
"It would be good to be involved in the Wallabies but I think, at the moment, I just need to focus on NRC."
Pressed on whether he felt he had lost confidence during the season Rona replied "not really".
He felt for the Wallabies after watching their loss to Argentina.
"I was hard to watch really because I know what those players can do out there," Rona said.
"As much as they will be hurting, they will be getting ready for a massive tour to Argentina and South Africa where they need to start performing."
He stressed his support for Wallabies flanker Lukhan Tui, who was involved in an altercation with a fan after the defeat to Los Pumas on the Gold Coast.
"Lukhan is going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, he needs all the support he can get from not just the players, but the public as well," Rona said.
