Sean McMahon has timed his return from injury to perfection for the Wallabies but his international future is in doubt amid reports he could sign for a Japanese club.
The 22-year-old workhorse has recovered from a long-term ankle injury and played his first match of the year on Saturday, making a big impact off the bench in the Melbourne Rebels' 29-24 defeat to the Queensland Reds.
Assuming he gets through Melbourne's next three Super Rugby games unscathed, he will be a leading contender to start in Australia's back row for the Tests against Fiji, Scotland and Italy in June.
"I think I can say across the board that no-one should walk back into the side," said Wallabies vice-captain Michael Hooper, whose Waratahs are due to face McMahon's Rebels this weekend.
"However, someone like Seany - who is a quality world-class player - is able to get back to fitness and form quickly.
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"I'm sure he's been absolutely bursting all year to get back on the field.
"His intent's going to be awesome and we saw glimpses of that on Saturday night. His ball carrying's awesome."
With David Pocock out of the selection picture this year, McMahon could be used at No.6 or No.8 by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika in June, given Hooper is assured of playing at openside flanker.
However, McMahon could be heading abroad next year, with The Australian reporting he is unhappy with recent contract offers from the Australian Rugby Union and is considering a two-year deal in Japan.
Lopeti Timani, who made four starts on last year's European tour and is due to return from a four-game Super Rugby suspension this week, is another option for Cheika at the back of the scrum.
Stalwarts Scott Fardy and Dean Mumm are also in the back-row mix, as are young guns Adam Korczyk and Jack Dempsey.
But No.8 Scott Higginbotham, who has been in terrific attacking form for the Reds, appears unlikely to add to his 32 Test caps as he has not been invited to any of Cheika's periodical Wallabies meet-ups so far this year.
"There's plenty of back-rowers running around. It's going to be different faces. (But) that's up to the coaching staff, they're the ones that pick the team," Hooper said.
