Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale could be back in Super Rugby Pacific action by the end of next week, and Western Force players are already feeling the buzz.
Beale has been sidelined since last June after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing club rugby.
The devastating injury occurred just days after Beale had earned a dream Wallabies recall at the age of 35.
Beale is now 36, but hasn't given up hope of getting back into the Wallabies reckoning in time for this year's tour of the British and Irish Lions.
His first step towards that goal could happen as early as Friday next week when the fifth-placed Force take on the eighth-placed Blues in Auckland.
Beale is currently training with his Force teammates in NZ ahead of Friday night's clash with the ladder-leading Chiefs at Blake Park in Mt Maunganui.
"(He gives us) a massive buzz," Force back Bayley Kuenzle said of Beale.
"He brings a lot of energy around the group. And what he can do on the field - it would be amazing for us.
"They've got him on tour, which is great to have.
"He's a potential for next week, so hopefully he gets through everything."
If Beale returns next week, it would come just a fortnight after Kuenzle made his own return from a long-term injury.
Kuenzle was mobbed by his Force teammates upon scoring a try during last week's 17-17 draw with the Hurricanes.
It was his first Super Rugby match back since damaging his PCL and MCL in his knee as well as fracturing his leg while playing club rugby last July.
Kuenzle spent the majority of his rehabilitation period alongside Beale, with the pair forming a strong bond while they made their way back from their respective devastating injuries.
They are now roommates on tour.
"Having KB in a similar situation was pretty good for my rehab," Kuenzle said.
"We talked about our injuries together and how we get through it and our challenges and what we can work on.
"It was a bad situation for both of us, but at least we got the best out of it and we're here now, and hopefully he gets a crack at it over the next couple of weeks as well."
Kuenzle said Beale's return would be a big morale boost for the Force as they look to lock down a maiden finals berth.
"We've got a great group of boys here and they make you feel good when you come back, and they really get around you," Kuenzle said.
"I think it will be likewise for KB, when he comes back it will be awesome."
