One of the Wallabies’ most-potent attacking threats intends to be an even more dangerous player by the time the Lions arrive in Australia in 2013.
Scrum-half Will Genia emerged as an international star on the autumn tour of Europe thanks to a series of superb performances on the big stage.
Despite having only made his international debut in the 2009 Tri Nations, the 21-year-old looks set to become a permanent fixture in a young Wallaby XV that has already shown tremendous potential.
The Lions arrive in Australia in three years time as they look to avenge a narrow series defeat from 2001.
The tourists suffered heartbreak at the hands of South Africa last summer and, ominously for the Lions, Genia intends to emulate the talents of a Springbok great who played a central role in that nail-biting series.
“Fourie du Preez’s been the benchmark for a long time now and in my eyes is one of the greatest players to ever play the game,” said Genia.
“He’s definitely the benchmark and someone I try to emulate as a player.
“He has the complete game – kick, pass, run – but the thing I really admire about him is his decision making. He has an uncanny knack of making the right decision all the time.
“But on a personal note I want to take my game to the next level and continue to keep improving. The only time I’ll ever stop is when I retire.”
Genia, who now has 11 caps to his name, is currently back in training with the Queensland Reds as they prepare for the start of the new Super 14 season next month.
This time last year, the Papa New Guinea born halfback wasn’t even first choice with his franchise, let alone the Wallabies.
But while Genia himself impressed massively in the southern hemisphere’s premier competition last time out, the Reds flattered to deceive, finishing a lowly 13th with just three wins all season.
Unsurprisingly, Genia hopes the Reds won’t suffer the same fate this season.
“I’ve really noticed a massive difference in the mindset of the group,” added Genia.
“Everything is more competitive now in training. Things are a lot more intense.
“Something that we’re really concentrating on is improving. We’re not really mindful of things that have happened in the past.
“It’s more about what we can do this year and being successful not only as an organisation, but as a club and as a team.”
