News

Will Genia reaps reward

July 03 2009

Reds scrum-half Will Genia found his inspiration from a phone call from Australian coach Robbie Deans whilst recovering from a recent finger injury.

The 21-year-old sustained the problem during Super 14 action in May but worked hard on his recovery and was rewared with an inclusion in the Wallabies' 30-man Tri-Nations squad.

"He just said 'do whatever you need to do to get back - don't rush back - and we'll definitely cross paths before the end of the year'," Genia revealed.

"That definitely stuck with me. It gave me an incentive to keep working hard."

Genia was keen to get back in training but did not expect the call-up.

"It's unbelievable. I was sitting in the office doing a business diploma course and I was given a copy of a media release. I read it and couldn't believe it," said Genia.

"I couldn't study. I couldn't breathe properly."

"I'll be right to go in two weeks. I've pretty much been in full training for the past two weeks, barring contact."

This is a fantastic opportunity for the youngster, who will be training with the national squad a touch sooner than he anticipated.

At the start of the year his ambitions extended no further than being a regular in the Reds' starting line-up.

"That was my goal, more so than getting a chance to play for the Wallabies," he said.

"For me my focus was just playing for Queensland and playing well, consistently for Queensland. I guess the rewards have come."