Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie has lamented back room battles to keep a host of off-contract Reds have hampered preparation for Sunday’s Super 14 clash with the Western Force.

With Super 15 expansion club Melbourne Rebels allowed to start signing Australian players on Monday, several Queenslanders have been courted to join the new franchise.

Prop Laurie Weeks, lock Adam Byrnes and reserve halfback Richard Kingi are three reportedly considering a move down south.

McKenzie would not confirm or deny whether players were about to jump ship but admitted the fight to retain up to two dozen off-contract Reds was frustrating.

He also doubted that all players linked to the new club were indeed set to sign but is on guard.

“There’s no question we’ve got players who are being courted heavily which is not helping us in terms of preparation,” he said.

“We have to respond and the back room battles with recruiting are taking up a lot of time to be honest which is frustrating when you just want to focus on the opposition.

“We’ve done a lot of work too, but we’re not talking about it to the media, there’s a time and place.

“We’re just trying to concentrate on the game against the Force.”

© AAP 2012

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