Closing on a surprise ton

ACHIEVING the rare milestone of 100 Tests was the last thing on James Slipper’s mind as his career spiralled out of control in 2018.

Injuries and his mother’s cancer battle led to Slipper battling depression, with the then Queensland prop twice testing positive to cocaine.

He was given a two-month rugby ban and, while Slipper would return, the Queensland career of the former Reds captain was over.

But he sought help on and off the field, and when the Brumbies offered him a lifeline, he jumped at the chance.

Back in the Wallabies fray the year after, Slipper went to the 2019 World Cup and, should he be selected to play against the All Blacks on Saturday night, Slipper will become just the 13th Wallaby to chalk up a century of Tests.

“If I think back two years ago, I definitely didn’t see 100 caps on the horizon … that couldn’t have been further away from my thought process at the time,” the 31-year-old said. “When I had the change, going to the Brumbies, I just wanted to play consistent rugby. I just wanted to contribute to whatever team I was playing for and I feel like I’ve done that.”

Schoolmate, bies centurion fellow Wallaand another former Reds forward, Rob Simmons, is proud of the way Slipper fought back.

“We met each other when we were 14 and we travelled a fair journey along the way, and to see him reach this milestone’s pretty special for me,” Simmons said.

Slipper isn’t taking selection for granted after Australia’s dismal 43-5 capitulation to New Zealand last Saturday.

“It’s been a tough couple of days getting the head back in the game and making sure I’m ready to play this weekend, whether I get selected or not,” he said. “To play 100 games is obviously an honour (but) I want to win the game more than anything.”