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The 20-year-old Super Rugby rookie following in the footsteps of Brumbies icon Christian Lealiifano
Brumbies rookie flyhalf Noah Lolesio revealed his predecessor Christian Lealiifano has been helping guide his transition into the high-pressure playmaking role.
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Lolesio steered the Brumbies to a season-opening victory against the Queensland Reds in his Super Rugby debut on Friday night.
Lealiifano, now plying his trade in Japan, has been in constant contact with Lolesio since his first Brumbies start in a trial against the Melbourne Rebels 10 days ago.
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The 20-year-old wants to follow the blueprint of Lealiifano who spent 12 seasons with the Brumbies and earned 26 Wallabies caps, but also carve his own path.
“He’s been giving me advice telling me to stay calm and that, he’s been real good to me and wished me luck this morning,” Lolesio told reporters after the game.
“No offence to Christian, he’s been an awesome ambassador for this club … he’s is a massive loss and massive shoes to fill but I just want to do me and see how we go.
“I’m just playing footy and loving it, wouldn’t want to be doing anything else so I’m really grateful for it.”
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Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was pleased with a “really good” debut from Lolesio and said his No. 10 would only improve.
“Noah is a pretty calm and composed kid and nothing rattles him or worries him too much,” McKellar said.
“He’s got the ability to just park things quickly which is a good trait to have as a 10 because you’re going to make mistakes … it’s how you respond and how you react to it.
“He did some really good things out there tonight and he’ll just continue to learn and grow and get better and better as a footballer and someone who has to direct us around the park.”
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Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa backed Lolesio to lead the club long term.
“I loved how calm he was tonight,” Alaalatoa said.
“He looked like someone who has played 50 Super games and he’s only going to grow from here.”
– AAP
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