It was why he approached Stowers after the Kiwi-born breakaway was released by the Western Force at the end of the 2020 Super Rugby Au season.

ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar was also surprised that Stowers was left go and called up the 26-year-old as an injury replacement three weeks ago.

After playing off the bench in the Brumbies' epic 19-16 loss to Queensland in the final last Saturday, Stowers has travelled with the squad to New Zealand for the opening three games of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.

"We lose him for five weeks and it looks like he will get a full-time contract," Coleman said. "That is what we are all about. It would have been nice if they waited another three weeks before they did it. Full credit to Henry."

The Wildfires thumped Penrith 86-10 without Stowers last round and although facing a sterner test, Coleman is confident they can make it consecutive wins against Southern Districts at Forshaw Rugby Park today.

"No other team has put 86 on Penrith," Coleman said "There is a bit of belief that if we are patient and hold the ball, we have enough game breakers to score points."

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Nick Dobson comes in for Sam Tufuga at tighthead prop in the only change from the Penrith romp.

"Souhern Districts have a Super Rugby front row," Coleman said. "We have to hold them there. Dobo comes in to shore up our scrum a little bit. Sam moves his feet a little bit on contact. If we can hold them in the set piece and our line speed is good, we are pretty dangerous with the ball."

In the Jack Scott Cup, the Wildfires women will be out for consecutive wins when they meet Western Sydney at Holroyd Sports Ground.

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