Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss admits Rugby Australia has a fight on its hands to retain hulking tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiis, as Ireland make a play for the rising star.
The 22-year-old Australia A capped forward is being pursued by the Irish and, qualifying through family heritage, considering a shift in allegiance.
Constant injuries, most recently foot and wrist issues, have restricted the Gold Coast product to just nine games with the Queensland Reds.
But Kiss expects he will see his first Super Rugby Pacific minutes within the next four weeks.
De Lutiis bench pressed over 200kg two years ago - believed to be a record among Queensland football codes - during a rehabilitation stint and was invited by current Test coach Joe Schmidt into Wallabies camps before he'd even debuted for the Reds.
Still firmly in the Wallabies' plans, Kiss is optimistic but realistic as Ireland attempt to bolster their stocks that already include Australian-born forward Finlay Bealham and star back Mack Hansen.
"It doesn't surprise me; it's a position that's very important, tight head prop and that's what it is," Kiss said after De Lutiis completed his second full training session of the season on Wednesday.
"From Queensland's perspective he's nailed away and we get the rest of the year with him, and from a national perspective hopefully that ends up in the right space."
Kiss is also confident exciting backline talent Treyvon Pritchard will remain at Ballymore - and in rugby union - beyond his current two-year deal.
The 18-year-old will earn his first Super Rugby Pacific start against the Western Force on Saturday after a series of outstanding bench cameos that have caught the eye of recruiters in both codes.
"I was convinced one of the first days I spoke to him in the boardroom," Kiss said of his potential.
"His disposition is really cool and calm, very assured and just wants to learn ... he doesn't let those things (contract) distract him. His head's screwed on."
The fourth-placed Reds (4-2) were humbled by ladder-leaders the Hurricanes in Wellington last Saturday to end a four-game winning run.
The Force (1-5) will debut NRL convert Zac Lomax off the bench at Suncorp Stadium, looking for a spark in a frustrating campaign that's featured four losses by 10 points or less.
"They're a sticky proposition. They won't go away easily, we'll have to stay in the fight and back our skills knowing they do pose a challenge at set piece and have fast men in the backs."
