Will Harrison was just nine when an 18-year-old James O'Connor burst onto the scene, becoming the second-youngest Wallaby in history.
Twelve years on, the pair are set to kick-off the 2021 Super Rugby AU season, the first match of the code's new broadcast deal with Nine & Stan Sport on February 19.
Harrison has emerged as one of the players to watch following his impressive season for the Waratahs, earning selection in Dave Rennie's extended squad for the Tri-Nations.
This provided the 21-year-old with the 'priceless' experience of learning from the likes of O'Connor and Rebels flyhalf Matt Toomua.
Having grown up idolising these players, Harrison admits that he was a 'sponge' when he entered the camp.
“Being around players like Matt Toomua and James O’Connor who have done a lot in their footy careers and have been specialist in multiple positions. I was really a sponge in there and picked up a lot of information,” Harrison told media.
“Those coaches as well, Dave Rennie and Scott Wisemantel, they have immense experience and they’ve been drip-feeding them into me.
“I was there in the background really learning and making the most of the experience. It was one of those things that money can't buy.
“I'm really looking forward to showcasing what I’ve learnt from the last six months into Super Rugby AU."
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O'Connor's influence on Australian rugby has been felt for a decade, with players who used to idolise him like Harrison now coming for his spot in the Wallabies set-up.
Whilst Harrison has got the best of the Reds and O'Connor in their past two meetings, including last week's trial win in Narrabri, the 21-year-old had nothing but praise for his opposite number.
“He’s a really good fella and a great footballer. He’s done a lot for the game in his long career for Australian rugby,” he said on O’Connor.
“He’s a player I like coming against. I’ve had a pretty good record against him last year, I felt really comfortable in the Super Rugby AU game in round one and then we obviously had the good win against them last year.
“Hopefully we can continue the momentum from Narrabri. I know he wasn’t playing but I’m really looking forward to playing against him.”
Heading into a new era of professional rugby, Harrison has usurped O'Connor's position as the face of rugby as part of Stan's advertising campaign, with his swan-dive plastered across TV commercials and advertisements.
The game they play in heaven is now being played on @Channel9 and @stansportau. pic.twitter.com/AI7ZLKbOO2
— Channel9 (@Channel9) February 11, 2021
Harrison knows the importance of the broadcast deal, pointing to the success that the AFL and NRL have had with their product available to a large percentage of Australians.
He believes that this new deal along with the added professionalism will produce an exciting product for spectators.
“I think it’s a really cool vibe. We were in Canberra for content day last year and even felt a bit more professional,” he believes.
“Rugby is getting a new life and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that journey.
“Being a kid, you always saw it on Fox Sports, you always watch a lot of free-to-air footy in terms of rugby league so I’m looking forward to seeing rugby get a go.”