Wallabies rookie Christian Lealiifano will be doing it for Dad

THE memory of a man who never saw him play Super Rugby will provide Wallabies rookie Christian Lealiifano's greatest inspiration.

WHILE Christian Lealiifano's mother and brothers will be cheering from Suncorp Stadium's stands on Saturday, it is the memory of a man who never saw him play Super Rugby that provides the Wallabies rookie's greatest inspiration.

Inscribed on the 25-year-old centre's left forearm is a tattoo that reads "TLealiifano".

The ink honours his late father, who passed away in 2006 before Lealiifano had played a Super Rugby game.

The ACT Brumbies talent was just 18 years old and preparing to play in the under-19 world championships when the tragedy occurred.

Now on the cusp of earning a debut Wallabies jersey, Lealiifano says his father Tavita's contribution is rarely far from his thoughts.

"When I came back from the world championships I signed for the Brumbies, so he missed out on my whole Super Rugby career," Lealiifano said.

"It is just something to remember him. He guides me along all the time. He's always there. I'm sure he would be proud of me being here.

"This would be a massive reward for the sacrifices people have made for me."

Adversity is familiar to Lealiifano, who is favoured to secure the No.12 jersey for the first Test.

By all rights he should not even be in this squad, considering the major setbacks that have struck him down.

The Brumbies playmaker sustained a knee injury in 2010 and then last year dislocated his ankle, a breakdown that robbed him of a Wallabies jersey after he dominated the Super Rugby season.

That ankle still swells after most games, and Lealiifano admits to questioning if his career was finished following the horror ankle break.

"I had plenty of those thoughts throughout the past 12 months," he said.

"When I had those times I had support around me to believe in that again.

"My family and my teammates, who are another family, have been amazing throughout the hard times.

"A Lions series; I didn't think I'd get anywhere near that this year.

"Getting injured gives you perspective of the opportunities rugby gives you."

Lealiifano has been playing Super Rugby since 2008, when he was immediately pegged as Australia's long-term flyhalf hope.

He has been rooming during the past two weeks with another talent who had to downplay hype as a teenager, Israel Folau.

British and Irish Lions doctor James Robson said centre Jamie Roberts (strained hamstring) was in doubt for Saturday's Test, but was optimistic about his prospects for the last two Tests.

Winger George North (hamstring) was said to have a great chance of being fit for the first Test, while centre Manu Tuilagi (shoulder) is progressing well, and a decision on his availability for Saturday would be made later in the week.

Winger Tommy Bowe (broken hand) is still on track to be available for the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday.

Meet the Wallabies today - 5pm, Brisbane City Hall