Cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano shook off any lingering doubts over whether he can return to his Super Rugby best with an impressive stint in Ireland, according to Brumbies coach Dan McKellar.
The 30-year-old proved his world-class credentials in a five-month loan spell with Irish powerhouse Ulster which came after his emotional comeback in the ACT club's quarter-final loss to the Hurricanes last year.
McKellar, who has taken the reins from club legend Stephen Larkham, watched Lealiifano's stint overseas closely and believes there's a chance the inspirational playmaker has improved.
"Watching training, I was going to ask him if he's got a little more length on his kicks now," McKellar said.
After playing 16 games with Ulster during his time with the Belfast-based Pro 14 club, Lealiifano won't play in the Brumbies' first trial match against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
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But the pre-season will dictate whether he plays at five-eighth or inside centre in their February 24 season opener.
"That's going to come down to trial performance and what we feel is going to give us the best chance of beating the Sunwolves (in the first game)," McKellar said on Tuesday.
A firing Lealiifano would be be a major boost to the Brumbies' backline after losing Aidan Toua (Queensland Reds) and Tomas Cubelli (Jaguares).
They've gained Chance Peni and James Verity-Amm from the defunct Western Force.
However, their forward depth will be tested with returning star David Pocock's knee surgery ruling him out of the first month of Super Rugby.
McKellar nominated former Australian Sevens player Tom Cusack, Lolo Fakaosilea and Lachlan McCaffrey, who is a Brumby again after four years in Europe, as players to replace Pocock.
"Those guys we feel are ready to step up and do the job," McKellar said.
"It's obviously unfortunate but we haven't had David here for 18 months so from a rugby point of view it looks like it will be another month."
Under McKellar, the Brumbies will continue their increasing emphasis on attack.
But the rotation policy employed by Larkham in 2017 will be shelved by the first-season coach.
The Brumbies will name their captain later in the week with Lealiifano and Sam Carter the leading contenders after sharing the job last year.
