Brumbies junior Jordan Jackson-Hope ready to team up with Stephen Larkham
Jordan Jackson-Hope wants to use a chance to play alongside two of his heroes to boost his Super Rugby career development.
The Canberra junior grew up idolising a golden generation of Brumbies players who dominated the competition and won titles in 2001 and 2004.
Stephen Larkham and Andrew Walker will come out of retirement to play in the Brisbane 10s.Credit:Brumbies Media
But in a twist to Jackson-Hope's rise from promising schoolboy to Super Rugby hopeful, he will team up with Stephen Larkham and Andrew Walker at the Brisbane 10s this weekend.
The 20-year-old made his Super Rugby debut last year, setting up a try with his first touch in professional rugby.
Jordan Jackson-Hope scored his first try in just his second Super Rugby game last year.Credit:Stefan Postles
He will compete with Kyle Godwin and Anthony Faingaa for the Brumbies' inside centre job this season, and he's hoping some on-field tips from Larkham and Walker will help his game.
Larkham and Walker are coming out of retirement to be the joint wildcard players for the pre-season tournament at Suncorp Stadium.
At 42 and 43 years old respectively, both are old enough to be Jackson-Hope's dad.
But the former Australian junior representative believes the two retired international can still pass on some handy tips.
"I've never actually played 10-a-side rugby before," Jackson-Hope said.
"It's a pretty exciting concept and I'm looking forward to it.
"I grew up watching [Larkham] and idolising him, I guess I never thought I'd get the chance to play alongside him.
"Even if it's 10-a-side, it will still pretty memorable. I can definitely [learn some things], just the way he plays and directs the team around. I can take a lot from that."
The Brumbies will take a strong squad to the Brisbane 10s as they prepare for their final pre-season fixtures before starting their Super Rugby campaign on February 25.
Scrumhalf Brent Hamlin is set to be called into the squad after Tomas Cubelli injured his knee last weekend while prop Ben Alexander, lock Tom Staniforth and Andrew Smith are all confirmed starters.
The Brumbies will play French glamour club Toulon, the Otago Highlanders and the Blue Bulls from Pretoria in their pool matches.
Smith, who spent one year playing in France, is determined to bury the injury demons of 2016 that limited him to just five games.
"It was a long year last year, but this year is going well so far. My body is feeling good and that's a good position to be in," Smith said.
"The injuries ruined most of the year and that was frustrating ... but you can take a lot out of the [Brisbane 10s] this weekend."
Chris Dutton is the sports editor at The Canberra Times.