The last time Mark Gerrard pulled on a Wallabies jersey it ended in disaster - and the obituaries on his international career soon followed.
The utility back suffered a serious knee injury just two minutes into a World Cup match in Lyon in 2007, limping out of the tournament and into an uncertain future.
He played out two more seasons at the Brumbies before jetting off to Japan for a move that usually signals the end of a player's international CV and the start of his superannuation top-up.
But something began eating away at Gerrard in Japan, a gnawing desire to add to his 23 Test caps.
He returned to the Melbourne Rebels at the beginning of the Super Rugby season, determined to show he still had what it took to mix it at the highest level.
A stand-out year with the poorly-performed Rebels has convinced Australia coach Robbie Deans that 28-year-old Gerrard still had something to offer - and those 23 caps will soon have further company.
"Prior to leaving Australia to play in Japan I probably didn't appreciate where I was at the time," Gerrard said after being named in a 40-man Wallabies squad for the winter Test season.
"I just reflected on that when I was away for 18 months and I think it has paid off."
"Leading into the Super season it is something I wanted to not so much to prove to anybody but prove to myself that I still had it at that level."
"I am very glad I have made the decision to come back."
"I feel like a kid again going to school for the first time."
Gerrard can cover a number of backline positions and it's that versatility which was such a strong selling-point when Deans came to naming his squad.
"I have played 13 (outside centre), I have played 10 (five-eighth) and fullback in my rugby career," he said.
"Versatility I think is going to be a bonus for me."
"I don't look to lock myself in one position (because) to have that versatility tag is something that may help me later on."
"I'm getting a bit long in the tooth so I think versatility is an added bonus."
Gerrard is not looking beyond the winter itinerary but acknowledges a good campaign will put him in the frame for World Cup selection.
And that would give the Gerrard family a shot at housing two world champions in the same year after Mark's sister Mo'onia played a starring role in Australia's World Championship netball triumph.
"I am a very proud brother and couldn't be happier for her," Gerrard said.
The Wallabies take on Samoa at ANZ Stadium on Sunday before confronting the Springboks at the same venue six days later.