TAQELE Naiyaravoro looks certain to remain at the Waratahs next year and renege on his big-money deal in Glasgow, shedding tears after being named in the Wallabies squad.
The 123kg Fijian-born winger, one of four uncapped players named in Australia's The Rugby Championship squad, does not yet have permanent residency but is on track to become the nation's biggest Test winger.
And Naiyaravoro conceded that his selection has virtually ensured he remains in Sydney beyond this year, despite signing a lucrative three-year contract with the Scottish club at the start of the year.
"The decision I made is not just about me, it's for my family as well," Naiyaravoro said.
"I am trying to create a good future. I'm not saying playing for Fiji is not, but I'm saying this is a career and for my kids, because they were born here and they're going to be settling down here, it's probably the best decision for them."
Speaking about getting out of his deal with Glasgow, Naiyaravoro said: "I'll probably still have to sort that out, there is still a lot to sort out with that, for now getting the selection is an indicator of me trying to settle in and try to chase the residency again.
"I'll probably settle here first, and look to overseas afterwards."
While he does not yet have permanent residency, and was twice stopped from flying overseas with NSW this season because of visa issues, those were sorted out in May, and Naiyaravoro's two daughters Ella (two) and Laite (three months) were born in Australia.
Naiyaravoro was at long odds to make the Wallabies squad at the start of the year, when he received Glasgow's offer.
He was set on playing for Fiji at the World Cup, and then defecting to Glasgow, but his allegiance is strongly with Australia now.
Like fellow Fijian Waisake Naholo, who signed a deal with French club Clermont at the start of the year, only to set the Super Rugby tournament ablaze and renege on the deal when picked by the All Blacks, Naiyaravoro's rise has been rapid.
"That's what I was thinking when I had that deal offered to me from Scotland, I didn't really see myself making the Wallabies team," he said.
"I was just trying to build my future in rugby and making the Wallabies, I didn't really reach that in my mind."
When Wallabies coach Michael Cheika informed Naiyaravoro of his selection on Wednesday night, the giant could not contain his emotions.
"When he gave me the call last night, I just started crying," Naiyaravoro said.
"I never thought I'd get selected.
"I'm still over the moon, I can't stop thanking God for this opportunity, I never thought it would come.
"I'm still on cloud nine."
And now he's in an Australian squad, Naiyaravor's goal is clear.
"Just trying to make that squad is where I'm at right now, making that World Cup squad," he said.
