Sio keeps Super Rugby options open

The prospect of being a leader at the Brumbies entices Scott Sio, but the Wallabies prop is keeping his options open as he considers his future in Super Rugby.

The World Cup star’s contract expires at the end of the 2016 season and, along with David Pocock, is a priority signing for the Canberra-based outfit.

They have already lost skipper Stephen Moore and Matt Toomua for 2017, but late last month locked in Christian Lealiifano for another two years on a flexible deal.

While Sio said contract negotiations weren’t front of mind just weeks out from the season opener, he hopes to have it sorted out sooner rather than later.

“I don’t think it’s something that you can drag out or rush,” he told AAP.

“But it’s also something that you’d like to have peace of mind with heading into the season.

“At the end of the day, I’ve just got to do what’s best for myself and my family and just keep all options open.

“My focus is on the here and now and playing well for the Brumbies.”

If he does choose to stay, Sio is keen to take on a leadership role.

“It’s definitely something that I’d like to step into, but I know it takes a lot of hard work.”

The 24-year-old, entering his fifth season at the Brumbies, feels he’s come along in leaps and bounds the past 12 months – especially during his time with the Wallabies.

While he walked away from the World Cup with a knee and elbow injury, forcing him to spend most of the off-season in rehabilitation, Sio said he had developed a “good mental approach” to the game.

“It’s something that I hadn’t really tapped into,” added the loosehead prop.

“A lot of the boys helped me with that, and being in a different environment helped shape that as well.

“I feel a lot more level-headed out there within the group, which I hope I can develop and add a lot more to the team this season.”

Having lost the 2013 final and fallen at the semi-final stage the past two seasons, Sio, along with his Brumbies teammates, are eager to go step further and win the 2016 title.

While they don’t lack motivation, the will to send captain Moore – who will join the Queensland Reds next year – is high.

“He’s spent a lot of years at the Brumbies and he’s given a lot to this team, so it’s definitely something we’d like to do,” said Sio.

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