The 33-year-old former miner also says there is no end in sight for his career and has vowed to "work my butt off" to impress if he is given the chance to play for the Wallabies next week.

ACT Brumbies third-string rake Mann-Rea has been called into the Wallabies camp again after Tatafu Polota-Nau's ankle injury added him to a long list of unavailable hookers, which includes Test captain Stephen Moore.

Mann-Rea's fairytale rise from a rugby unknown to a potential Wallaby will continue for at least the next two weeks as he battles for his international debut against South Africa or Argentina.

The humble hooker known as "Bongo" will draw on confidence gained in the Super Rugby season to make the step up to Test rugby and said he would not regard himself as a Wallaby until he gets a chance on the field.

"It's great to be involved, but when you get on the field is when you become a Wallaby," Mann-Rea said.

"I was just banking on a second crack at Super Rugby and now I've had the chance to get in a Wallabies squad. It's not something I thought I'd be involved in ... I'm pretty lucky. I can't wait to get into it.

"It's unfortunate that guys have been injured ... the best thing you can do is do the best you can and perform. That's all I'm planning on, if I get on, to make sure that I don't waste it."

Mann-Rea has been on the verge of retirement three times in his career but his latest rugby reincarnation has been built on taking career lifeline opportunities.

It has made him more determined not to waste his opportunity if Test coach Ewen McKenzie thrusts him into the international cauldron against Springboks legend Victor Matfield next week.

Mann-Rea was forced to step up for the Brumbies' finals campaign after injury claimed Moore and Siliva Siliva and he played through the pain of a torn hamstring to shoulder the hooker responsibilities.

He has signed a one-year contract extension to stay in Canberra and the 10-game Super Rugby veteran has no plans to retire.

"I've got confidence in myself to perform and do what I need to. If an opportunity comes to play, I'll grab it with both hands," Mann-Rea said.

"I would never have dreamed of being in this situation a couple of years ago. Even this year I didn't think I'd be playing in a Super Rugby finals series and getting a Wallabies call up.

"I'm very grateful and I'm just going to work my butt off to try to impress and make sure I do the best I can if I get a chance.

"I don't know when the end is now. I'm not going to commit to anything at this stage, whether that be retiring or going again. I know better than anyone that a lot can happen in a year."

Mann-Rea is also in contention for a shock spot in the Wallabies' spring tour squad as Australia's hookers face long-term injuries.

Mann-Rea has battled his own injury woes, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last year, which forced him to consider quitting the game.

The revolutionary ligament replacement surgery gave his career one last opportunity and now he is on the verge of a Wallabies dream.

"The body feels good now. I was surprised to get a phone call to say I was going to South Africa and Argentina, so I'm not getting ahead of myself," Mann-Rea said.

"I definitely took confidence out of that. I know it's not at Test level but I thought I went all right with my set piece. Us front-rowers are like fine wine, we get better with age."