‘I needed change’: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto eyes first Wallabies Test since 2021
In-limbo Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is happy to put his country ahead of club as he fights for a Wallabies recall following a three-year "soul-searching" career change overseas.
Salakaia-Loto is in the running for a first Test start since 2021 after returning from an English Premiership stint with Northampton and earning a spot in Joe Schmidt's maiden Wallabies squad.
The 27-year-old didn't blink when asked if he thought his Test-playing days might be over after he left the Queensland Reds at the end of 2022.
"No, not at all," the 30-Test stalwart said ahead of the Wallabies' first match of the year against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.
"I knew that time of my career, back in 2021, I needed a change.
"I'd spent a big part - all of - my career up in Queensland and I got to the point where I needed change and needed to do a bit of soul searching and overseas was the place for that.
"So I left knowing that I was going to come back at some stage.
"Probably not as quick as it probably happened but I knew that, if I had gone away and worked and chipped away on my craft, that coming back I'll be a better player for it."
Salakaia-Loto was gushing in his praise for the help he received at Northampton from English great Courtney Lawes.
But, ultimately, he credits family life for his new perspective and approach.
"Had a family, got two kids now with my partner. Just in life in general, it's made me a better person," he said.
"And that flows on to being a better player.
"Coming back a bit more older and mature, it's something that I definitely haven't taken for granted.
"I'm just taking each day as it comes and it's good to be back with the boys that I've got a lot of time for and played a lot of rugby with in the past.
"Hopefully I can make my time this time around better."
Salakaia-Loto's bid for a Wallabies recall comes amid much uncertainty around his club career after Melbourne Rebels' axing from the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The lock hasn't played since breaking a foot in April, but insists he's "fit and ready to go" and only focused on the Wallabies.
The Sydney-born-and-raised talent is an obvious candidate to join the Rugby Australia-owned NSW Waratahs but is remaining coy about where he may end up in 2025.
"I'm right where my feet is and that's in camp and that's what I'm focused on," Salakaia-Loto said.
"Once I have an answer, I could probably give you a bit more clarity on that.
"But, you never know, NBA is a pretty cool sport to get into.
"All options are open at the moment."
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Bristol's defence was excellent. Bath looked off the pace for the whole first half. Still frustrating to see Bristol coughing up so much ball from overplaying in their own 22. The attacking intent is brilliant but can't help but feel they would concede a lot fewer points of they kicked a bit more from their 22.
Go to commentsRandall put his case forward yesterday. He was much more lively than Spencer which was to be expected but his kicking was really good too. Without doubt he should be in the 23, whether he should start or not is debatable given England's propensity for box kicking... But I still believe JVP's service is too slow for international rugby, I don't think he should be in the squad, he limits us to playing one dimensional rugby while all the top teams are boasting much quicker ruck speed and recycle the ball before defenses can set. Mitchell has shown the difference a sharp 9 gives you, we shouldn't be looking at the likes of a JVP, it's a step backwards.
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