The biggest indicator of James O’Connor’s transformation from rugby party boy to model professional in Wallabies veteran Will Genia’s opinion is his Tuesday nights.
Prior to O’Connor’s departure from Australia six years ago, Genia noted how his teammate would use nights off to hit the town.
These days however, it’s a very different story.
“Tuesday nights, James was always out and about doing stuff because Wednesday we have off,” Genia said.
“Tuesday night in the last three or four weeks that we’ve had, he’s in his room stretching, doing what it takes in terms of recovery.
“He understands that this is a huge opportunity for him.”
O’Connor is in contention to line up for the Wallabies for the first time since 2013 when Australia host Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Suncorp Stadium.
After Nick White’s impressive return at halfback last weekend against South Africa, Genia says he’s excited to see what O’Connor can offer as the Wallabies aim to build some momentum before back-to-back Bledisloe Cup Tests against New Zealand.
“You saw Whitey come back and play very well, hopefully it can be a similar story with James because I think he was on 44 Tests and he was so young when he left,” Genia said.
“We all know how good he is and hopefully the fact he’s in a better space mentally, he can be an even better player this time around.”