Sevens captain Nick Malouf comes to Tokyo with one goal: get on the podium.
Malouf is among three players in the 13-man squad to make the trip back to the Olympics from Rio.
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Finishing eighth, the 28-year-old was ready to make a statement ahead of Tokyo, taking their learnings from 2016 as they look to avoid distractions.
“I think the big thing has been learning the village, what it’s like being at the Games and the difference between participating and competing. That’s something we’ve been focusing on,” Malouf said ahead of Tokyo.
“It’s awesome to be competing at the Olympics but we’re not here to make up the numbers, we want to be on the podium.
“We were probably learning the ropes a bit (in 2016) and coming to terms with what it means to be an Olympian. We’re lucky that we have a couple of guys from Rio who have learnt from Rio and can pass it on to the younger guys.
‘We’ve had that mindset from the beginning that we want to make the most out of our competition and the opportunity we have over there and not replicating the results from 2016.
“It’s an added bonus that we don’t have the added distractions (like an opening ceremony) but I think we would’ve been very focused regardless.”
They come into the tournament boosted by the inclusion of former Wallaby Samu Kerevi.
Malouf admits his presence has been a major influence over the inexperienced squad as they hang on his every word.
“He’s a bit of a star, isn’t he? All the boys naturally gravitated to him because if you look at his resume, there’s not much he hasn’t done,” Malouf said on Kerevi.
“I think when he talks, everyone listens so he’s been delivering some key points around what we doing on and off the field.
“He doesn’t say heaps in terms of huddles and team meetings but when he does, it’s with a lot of purposes and everyone respects what he has the say.
“Apart from his knowledge on the field, he’s just a really good guy around the group, adds great energy and always up for a laugh. He’s been awesome since he’s been with us.”
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Despite being drawn with the likes of New Zealand and Argentina, Malouf and the squad were entering with no fear.
“There’s not going to be an easy game. It goes from 16 to 12 teams so it’s even tougher than the World Series,” he added.
“Starting off with Argentina, they are going to be a tricky one. Very direct, physical as they try and control the footy with their restart being a strength.
“...At the end of the day, it’s just another tournament. There’s going to be no crowds so the pressure that comes from ourselves and the games is something we can control in our heads a lot.
“(Coach Tim Walsh) speaks about having no fear and I think a tournament like this with the pressure and anxiety guys might feel, a real key for us is to play confident and without that fear, because we know we’ve done the work and homework on our opposition so it’s time to execute.”
