THE WORLD Cup is my time, says Iestyn Harris after his eye-catching performance in Wales' record equalling 41-10 victory over Canada in Melbourne on Sunday.
And Harris insisted again that his future lies in rugby union after rejecting a bid for him to return to rugby league as he dealt as assuredly with the media in the warm sun of Canberra today as he did with the Canadians.
"To have someone of the calibre of Steve Hansen giving me compliments is very flattering," said Harris. "I have had my frustrating times being sat on the bench when I wanted to start.
"But I hope this is my time now, I'm 27 and leading up to 30 will be my best years. While it was frustrating being on the bench, I appreciate I had to do my apprenticeship.
"I did get an offer from rugby league which was also very flattering. But it has not made any difference. Once I spoke with Cardiff and Wales, I made a conscious decision. My time in Wales is happy.
"It's taken me a bit of time, but it would be a bit silly to shoot straight back. There are still things I've got to do in union.
"I always had a certain amount of time set in my mind, but it's definitely been worth waiting for.
"The World Cup was my ultimate target 18 months ago when I came in. I knew it would take this amount of time to make the transition.
"You get good and bad press, but you learn to take it and come through stronger or it.
"I've had a lot of people help me like my dad and Clive Griffiths (now Gwent Dragons assistant coach) with his league background. I'll take a lot of advice, keep what I want and throw away the rest," added the Cardiff player.
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