As he recovered from leukaemia, Brumbies co-captain Christian Lealiifano helped winger Lausii Taliauli overcome the mental anguish caused by his season-ending knee injury.
Lealiifano completed his remarkable return to rugby in a trial match in Singapore last week, less than a year after his cancer diagnosis.
He's spent the season inspiring his Brumbies teammates including Taliauli, who paired with him in rehabilitation after tearing his ACL in a pre-season trial match.
"It's been pretty tough over the last couple of months. It was hard to wrap my head around that I wouldn't get any game time in Super Rugby this year," Taliauli said.
"I had Christian with me in rehab and he really gave me some good advice in my time being injured."
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The Brumbies have put their faith in the 24-year-old flyer, handing him a two-year deal that will keep him in Canberra until the end of 2019.
Taliauli admits his history of injuries, along with Super Rugby's ongoing turmoil, made him fear for his future with the club.
"Seeing boys like Dane Haylett-Petty from the Western Force, if their team was going to be cut, where would they land? It was pretty scary at times," Taliauli said.
"I was on the phone straight away to my manager just thinking what were the options for next year."
A move overseas was considered but after being earmarked for a starting spot on the wing before his injury, he has unfinished business in Australian rugby.
While Taliauli will play no part in the Brumbies' finals campaign, he hopes to play in the National Rugby Championship later in the year as sets his sights on Super Rugby next season.
"With the likes of David Pocock (returning next year) and Christian playing his first game back last week, it's really exciting for us," Taliauli said.
"I've had a lot of injuries and I'm hoping and praying to not get any more over the next two seasons."
