Wilko upgrade for mature O'Connor
Wallaby bad boy James O'Connor believes time spent with World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson has turned him into a more complete player.
O'Connor, who fronted up to the media in Brisbane on Tuesday, had arrived back in Australia at the weekend after an 18-month stint abroad – the latter part with European and French champions Toulon.
He left Australia under a cloud, following a number of alcohol-fuelled off-field incidents, but returned this week claiming to be rehabilitated and a more mature version of the talented player that left in 2013.
"There's no beating around the bush – I made mistakes," O'Connor told the media scrum at Ballymore.
"After I went away it took me about six months to come to an understanding and take a step back."
However, it was the influence of players like Matt Giteau and Jonny Wilkinson while he was at Toul
on – after a stint with London Irish in the English Premiership – that most changed his outlook on life and the game.
He said the big difference between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere is the mindset, how they think about the game.
"I did a fair bit of work with Jonny Wilkinson on my kicking," the 24-year-old said, adding: "The way he rubs off on you improves your entire game.
"He has a very strong mindset and thinks very differently."
It was not just an on-field learning curve. O'Connor said he is in a "different headspace" after his stint abroad.
"A guy like Gitts [Giteau] is a family man and while rugby is not taking a backseat, it shows there are other things in life," the utility back told the media briefing.
"It [having responsibilities off the field] does play a role. If you think about rugby 24/7, mentally in fatigues you.
"There are a lot of things I've learnt while I've been overseas that I can bring to my game. I don't think I've even touched the surface of the player I can be."
Speaking about his off-field controversies, O'Connor said he is now a more mature individual.
"My goal was to go away and improve as a rugby player," he said, adding: "I met a lot of good people and they brushed off on me.
"To be honest, it was the best move I've done. I like to feel I'm in a different headspace now.
"Balance is a big part of it and mindset is huge. It was a tough transition, but once you get that understanding of where you went wrong, it all became pretty clear to me how I could come back on track – by working hard and doing the little things right."
He is also keen to get back into the Wallaby team, with the ultimate goal of playing at the World Cup later this year.
"I haven't spoken to [Wallaby coach Michael] Cheika. To be honest, I landed a couple of days ago and my sole focus is getting involved the [Reds] team and then playing.
"We got a [pre-season] trial game in three weeks' time and I have a lot of learning to do.
"However, if you are a sportsman you want to play for your country and the national team. The top goal is to play for the Wallabies and put that gold jersey on again."
Reds coach Richard Graham, who worked with O'Connor as a fresh-faced 20-year-old at the Western Force, said his pace will be best utilised out wide.
"With the Wallabies he was the world's best wing, at that point in time, and it suits him to play there," he told the media scrum.
Speaking about O'Connor's "cheeky swagger", he felt the more mature version could be an even bigger strike-force for the Reds.
"The last time I was involved with James, he was a 20-year-old," Graham said, adding: "Now he's 24. We all change over time. I sense he has enjoyed his time overseas. He's come back with a lot of confidence.
"No doubt he has aspirations [to play for Australia] and it all comes down to work ethic and discipline."
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