Les Kiss has recalled Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to the Wallabies training squad after what the incoming head coach describes as a "robust conversation" among his new coaching staff, stressing that no player is guaranteed a place in his side.
Salakaia-Loto was left out by Joe Schmidt for the Nations Championship — which yielded just one win from three Tests — but returns as one of three new faces in Kiss' initial 34-man group, alongside Isaac Kailea and uncapped Queensland teammate Isaac Henry.
"Nobody is guaranteed a position, and I'll make promises to no one," Kiss said. "He's worked hard. He had a game with the Baa-Baas, and he's ready. We'll give him a chance to go in there."
Salakaia-Loto made 13 appearances for Kiss at the Reds this season as Queensland reached the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals, but Kiss was clear that familiarity carried no automatic weight. "By robust, I mean we talk about everything and dive into every player, not just Lukhan. He's just part of the picture."
Kiss also flagged a specific focus on tighthead locks, citing Miles Amatosero and Jeremy Williams as players he wants to assess in that role alongside Salakaia-Loto.
The squad faces a two-Test series against Japan next month before a demanding programme that includes Argentina, the Springboks and the All Blacks. Len Ikitau is ruled out of the Japan series.