i agree completely Daz. i expect that deep down, although all those who represent Australia are proud of the fact, in the professional era in the end, its is just another day at the office.
perhaps i'm wrong, but having played in the day when you went from club rugby one saturday, to test football the next, the players i knew who represented australia would have gladly given their "first born", or whatever to continue to do so.
i think Mitch might be unlucky, and given a different coach, could have had the opportunity, but the Cheika two playmaker model doesn't allow for the hard running, crash ball, great defender type, which is why Kerevi is unlikely to play there as well.
i hope he stays on at the Rebels for many more years but if you want income while you can earn it i'd be off to France next contract time.