Barely sighted in 2024, Samu Kerevi could be about to explode back onto the national radar in time to face the Lions. The Roar understands that the Japan-based star was at Ballymore at the same time a Reds hub of players of national interest being put through their paces by Wallabies management. It’s the third separate two-day camp in the last week after the Wallabies coaching staff visited the Force and Waratahs. His appearance comes just days out from the first Wallabies squad of the year, with Schmidt set to name his men to take on the Flying Fijians on July 6 in Newcastle – two weeks ahead of the first Lions Test – on Thursday. Kerevi is likely to be at least one of two overseas-based Wallabies in Schmidt’s squad, with giant lock Will Skelton expected to be drafted into the side to take on Fiji. Marika Koroibete– the only other foreign-based Wallaby selected by Schmidt in 2024 – remains an outside chance too. While most had Skelton rubber-stamped for inclusion against the Lions, Kerevi’s selection isn’t quite as certain. After all, the powerful centre struggled to hit the heights many expected in 2023 and last year was shown an upgraded red card against Wales in his sole appearance under Schmidt. But Kerevi’s appearance in Brisbane is the greatest sign yet that Schmidt is considering picking the 50-Test Wallaby in his squad to take on the Lions. Kerevi, 31, would provide Schmidt a different dimension to his Wallabies squad because of his sheer size. While the Lions have gigantic Irish centre Bundee Aki coming Down Under and hard-hitting Melbourne-born Scot Sione Tuipulotu, the Wallabies have several options but few have the size to offer gain-line advantage. It’s partly why Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is likely to find his way back into the midfield. But not even Suaalii comes close to the size of Kerevi, who is believed to be hitting the scales at around 111kg. He spent last week training in Sydney with the Australian Sevens team. Kerevi is also coming off one of his best seasons in recent years, with the midfielder seemingly back to some of his best form after a couple of injury-plagued years, which came after rupturing his ACL during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. ‘I’m available’ Meanwhile, Japan-based winger Koroibete is holding out hope of returning to the Wallabies. The two-time John Eales Medallist told The Roar Rugby podcast he had spoken to Schmidt “a couple of times this year” and was hoping to win back the coach’s trust. “It’d be great to play in the Lions series,” Koroibete said. “It’s massive. It’s something you want to add to your resume, but in saying that, they’ve got a lot of talented back three coming up, so it’s going to be up to the coaching staff if they want me. But I’m available.” Koroibete returned to the Wallabies during last year’s Rugby Championship, but failed to show the form many have expected over the year. But the hard-hitting winger said he wasn’t physically or mentally prepared for the tournament after receiving a surprise call-up. “I thought I was done with the Wallabies until I got a call from Schmidt, and he wanted me to come in,” Koroibete said. “Physically, I wasn’t great for international. As you can see from last year, my mind wasn’t there because I thought I was done with the international (game).” He added: “After they went for their end of year tour, I reflected that my form wasn’t great. It was something I took for granted. This year, if they want me to be a part of the group, I’m sure I’ll be better than last year.” Koroibete, who fractured his wrist during the loss to the All Blacks in last year’s Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney, recently wrapped up his season with the Wild Knights, who were knocked out in the Japanese League One semifinals. The Wallabies winger has spent the past week in Fiji. “I’m going straight to the farm. I’ll probably go visit my old school and go donate some old rugby boots,” he said.