Leroy Houston is desperate for another taste of Wallabies action but admits he'll be flat out finding a spot in the Queensland Reds' starting side first.
Number eight Houston is back at Ballymore after five fruitful years in Europe and is ready to make his mark on Australian rugby.
But before he pushes for a Test return following his debut against Argentina last month, the 30-year-old knows he has to build up a body of strong Super Rugby form.
The only problem is Queensland's back row stocks have never been this good.
Wallaby great George Smith and ex-fan favourite Scott Higginbotham have also signed for the Reds and will link up with the team once their Japanese Top League commitments finish early next year.
There's also highly-rated former schoolboy sensation Caleb Timu, as well as Hendrik Tui, who was one of the Reds' best in a barren 2016.
"First and foremost I've got to crack this team," said Houston.
"Hopefully all the guys around me, we can take it to the next level.
"We've got a lot of experience, a lot of good players.
"I'd like to feed off George Smith to be honest - his work ethic, his way of playing, his morals and everything. I just want to learn off him and grow from there."
Houston relished his first Wallabies cap, which came 11 long years after the first time he was picked to tour with the national team.
But after being left out of Australia's Spring Tour squad, he said it felt like a "one-off", and that his outlook hasn't changed.
"I'm still striving to play for them," he said.
"But I'm just hoping next season, I can show more of what I can do and get back into contention.
"I feel I've still got to prove myself and show them I'm willing to get back into the team."
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