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Queensland Reds player Digby Ione breaks through. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
This year I have been delighted in how the Reds have been playing their rugby. I have held off on cracking the Champagne corks, as it is only early. But three rounds in, I have seen enough.
The first thing that stands out when watching the Reds is their defense. They hunt in a pack – not a pack of forwards, just a pack of Wolverines.
Everyone is involved and eager to wrap someone up and jump back to their feet.
Watching young backs like Anthony Faingaa going about his business in defense is not only inspiring, but is proving the catalyst for the rest of the team to counterattack or suffocate the next phase of play by the hapless attack.
The same goes for any other Red in any other position on the field: tthey are committed that little bit more to the art of defense than most other teams I have seen this season.
Sure, they have let through a few tries through misreads, particularly with Chambers being in the line. But that is something that will continue to improve.
This defense is giving Queensland so many counter-attacking opportunities that teams would not have normally let us have. This has many knock-on effects, both mentally and physically, to the attacking then defending team!
Then you look at the forward pack. Any Wallabies in that pack? I think there may be at the end of this season.
Like his brother, Saia Faingaa, is playing superbly around the park. His throwing could become more consistent, and he tends to switch off whilst defending the line-out, but his general play has been a revolution for Queensland so far this season.
Our second-row is tough and uncompromising.
Higginbotham on the side is still a little wet behind the ears and runs a little high now and then but he is going great. Even Houston is looking like a footballer again, but still has a bit more to do with his fitness yet.
And Braid is playing like the classic number 7 should: in everything and working himself to a standstill.
Even when the likes of Greg Martin says that the Reds have nothing but young ordinary players, you can see that attitude and commitment can overcome any other team that they come up against.
You don’t need to have a big name, just a big heart and a good shoulder.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.