In 2011, Luke Reimer wrapped his arm around James Slipper for a photo. 13 years later, the flanker was doing the same in a scrum for a Wallabies debut he won't forget.
Reimer became Wallaby #983 when he took the field in the 62nd minute for his debut at Suncorp Stadium.
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Whilst the game was out of reach when he entered, Reimer was relishing the chance to pull on the gold jersey and the opportunity presented to him.
“It’s faster than what I’ve played, the contact level was pretty high and definitely the most physical game I’ve been a part of coming up against some of those guys that I’ve watched for years and years," he told reporters.
“It’s a pretty awesome experience and gutted about the result but grateful I had that opportunity to come up."
Reimer grew up dreaming of afternoons like Saturday as he came through the Warringah and Brumbies system.
It's allowed him to call heroes like Slipper his mentor as the pair recreated their photo from over a decade ago after Reimer got his Wallabies cap.
“That photo with Slips was in 2011 on the Gold Coast against Argentina so to be now in 2024 make my debut alongside him is really special," he reflected.
“He’s been someone I’ve looked up to since starting my professional Rugby career so to make it onto the world stage with him is indescribable."
Reimer's confidence wasn't dented despite the heavy defeat, confident they could turn it around in the second Test in Perth.
“There’s moments in that game where you look at it go it’s possible to beat them. At the end of the day, it’s whoever turns up," he said.
“You saw Ireland do it a couple of weeks ago so there’s definitely opportunity around some of the weaknesses.
“We’ve got to have a good look at how we can attack that and implement that into the week.
