When Lillyann Mason-Spice went down with a torn quad in September's Westfund Ferguson Cup grand final the potential to be around an Australian squad was one of the last things on her mind.
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But now, just a couple of months later, Mason-Spice will find herself in the green and gold after being chosen in a Wallaroos training camp.
The Dubbo Kangaroos star will be with the national team from Tuesday until Sunday in Canberra as Wallaroos coach Dwayne Nestor casts his eye over the players pushing for a spot in next year's World Cup squad.
"I think the World Cup will be on the mind of every girl there," Mason-Spice said.
"But I'm just stoked to get into this camp."
The flying outside back isn't back at full fitness just yet after the grand final injury but she still hopes to be heavily involved and soak up as much as she can in Canberra.
"I'm surprised they let me in (after the injury) but it's going to be good to see where I'm at again," she added.
"It's pretty okay at the moment so hopefully I can do some rehab there and they let me go full swing."
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Mason-Spice is one of 16 in the 32-person Wallaroos squad who has not yet represented her country.
Nestor described the camp as a "huge opportunity for some of these young players" as a strong showing in Canberra could catapult anyone firmly into World Cup contention.
The 2021 World Cup will kick-off next September in New Zealand, with Australia pooled with the hosts, Wales, and a final qualifier.
And while representing her country there would be a dream, Mason-Spice isn't getting too carried away just yet.
Her experience in the 15-a-side version of the game is still somewhat limited but she has represented Australia A in the 7s format and was among the very best players in the Central West during her debut season with the Roos this year.
Mason-Spice has previously been a part of the NSW Waratahs women's squad but the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions this year made playing difficult.
"It's a chance just to get more knowledge of 15s," she said of this week.
"I haven't played it a lot so it's a chance to adapt as a player.
"I think more rugby is good no matter what it is. The 15s is a lot harder to learn but I'll get the hang of it."
While representative chances may have been slim during the COVID-affected 2020 season, Mason-Spice still felt her game has gone to another level.
This year marked her first with the Dubbo Kangaroos, having previously lived and played in Forbes.
"It helped playing with the Roos, that leadership side," she said.
"I developed as a player but I also opened my mouth more and helped some of the other players and tried to be involved in a leadership role."
The Wallaroos squad in Canberra will again be captained by Orange product Grace Hamilton.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
