James Slipper is fitter, happier and keen to prove a few people wrong as he hunts a dream call-up for the World Cup.
Slipper endured a horror 2018 Super Rugby season as Queensland captain, battling injury, depression and twice testing positive for cocaine.
Effectively shown the door by Queensland, the 29-year-old was offered a career lifeline by ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar.
Slipper, who has played 86 Tests and was part of Australia's World Cup squads in 2011 and 2015, now has an ideal chance to catch the eye of national coach Michael Cheika.
"He was there in 2015. He'll definitely want to be there in 2019," McKellar told AAP.
"The work he's put in so far, he's at least put himself in a position to perform well for us then Wallabies selection comes off the back of that.
"The first time we sat down and had a coffee, you could see the motivation.
"He wants to get back to the highest level and I suppose prove a few people wrong."
It won't be easy for Slipper to force his way into World Cup calculations, with Brumbies teammate and fellow loosehead prop Scott Sio a mainstay of the Australian pack.
But Slipper and Sio both represented the Wallabies in the 2015 World Cup final, one of 26 Tests they've played together.
"He and Scotty will be able to work really well together. They'll be able to share the workload, keep each other fresh and challenge one another," McKellar said.
"When Slipps is fit, firing and at his best, there's not too many looseheads around that are better than him. He's been a great addition to our club.
"He's got an enormous amount of experience. He's just put his head down and worked hard. He's set himself up for a good season."
Slipper has previously spoken of how his change of scenery has worked wonders.
"I see him happy, which is the main thing for me," Brumbies captain Christian Lealiifano said.
The Brumbies face NSW on Thursday night in their final trial game before starting their Super campaign on February 15 against the Melbourne Rebels.
Rebels recruit Quade Cooper, also seeking to reignite his sputtering career after leaving the Reds, has made a strong impression on his new club.
"He's come in with a great attitude, I think he's going to go really well. He's one of the best players in the world and he can do things that normal people can't," Rebels coach Dave Wessels said.
"He's spent a lot of time in the office, looking at footage and trying to get better."
