Teenage flanker Liam Gill will get a chance to stake his claim for Queensland’s vacant No.7 jersey in Saturday’s rugby trial match against the Crusaders in Cairns.
After the departure of ex-All Blacks forward Daniel Braid at the end of last season, a host of backrowers are competing for the openside flanker spot for the new Super Rugby season.
Queensland have scheduled just two trial games before their campaign begins at home against the Western Force on February 20 and Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has given Gill the first chance to impress on the side of the scrum.
Gill, 18, captained the Australian Schoolboys on their tour of the United Kingdom in 2009 and was a regular in the Australian Sevens team in 2010 that won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Former Waratahs Lei Tomiki and Beau Robinson are also in the frame to snare the openside flanker role, although Wallabies backrower Scott Higginbotham, who will start at No.8 against the Crusaders, is also an option.
Reds captain James Horwill has been named at lock in what will be his first game since suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Crusaders last season.
Wallabies flyer Digby Ioane, who will start at outside centre, is another returning from a serious injury after having a shoulder reconstruction last July.
The Reds’ final trial will be against the Brumbies in Darwin on February 5.
Queensland team: Rod Davies, Aidan Toua, Digby Ioane, Will Chambers, Luke Morahan, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (vice-capt), Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Radike Samo, Van Humphries, James Horwill (capt), James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Res: Kimami Sitauti, Ben Tapuai, Mike Harris, Ian Prior, Leroy Houston, Lei Tomiki, Beau Robinson, Ben Coridas, David McDuling, Guy Shepherdson, James Hanson, Albert Anae, Greg Holmes
Red rich
Guest
Gill has serious potential, having seen him play since high school the kid has screws loose. Zero regard for his own body and a terrier around the field, which in my opinion makes an awesome 7. But dunno physically how he we do against the big physical back rowers like spies and loaki. But definately watch this space, and a definate dark horse for your fantasy team! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
p.Tah
Guest
The one in the Crusades line up I'm interested in seeing play in Tyler Bleyendaal. He was freakish at the junior world cup for NZ. Combine the silky fly half skills of Carter with the leadership and self belief of McCaw and you've got an idea of where this kid could end up.
Denby
Guest
That is a fine looking team. Ioane and Chambers in the centres would be devestating. I hope Link gives this lineup a run. The only problem, Gill could be underdone.
bill
Guest
I reckon for 1-15 I'd go for:- Daley, Faingaa, Slipper, Humphries, Simmons, Horwill, Gill, Higginbotham, Genia, Cooper, Davies, Chambers, Ioane, Morahan, Hynes.
PeterK
Guest
Samo at 6 and Higs at 8 is a better combination than Higs at 6 and Houston at 8. This makes it a faster and more mobile pack, which is important in support of the running game of the backs. Also the lineout should be strong if they play this combo throught he rounds. Horwill, Simmons, Samo and Higs all competing and stealing lineout ball. Also the backline I would have through the rounds is 9 Genia, 10 Cooper, 11 Davies, 12 Chambers 13 Ioane 14 Morahan 15 Hynes. Basically choosing between a solid journeyman in Faingaa and a real talent in Morahan. Chambers would have far more impact at 12 than Faingaa.
redhead
Guest
Gilly is a freak talent ! Watch this space !
Cattledog
Guest
Gary, I noted Rob Simmons wasn't in the 28. Is he injured? Anyone know as he didn't get a mention anywhere and I would have thought he would have been a bolter.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
This bloke could be the goods!!! And he rightfully gets the chance to impress first up. I see that Higgy has shifted to 8 and Samo has gone to 6. Shatz must be injured as I don't see his name listed I would have had Shatz at 6 Gill at 7 and Higgy at 8. This will be the backrow of the future for the Reds. I would like to see Higgy start at 8 for the Reds this season as I see him as the Wallabies 8 for the WC. Also I will be interested to see how Beau Robinson performs as I thought he was a good breakaway when he got limited opportunities for the Waratahs behind Waugh. I thought that the Waratahs were shortsighted in not signing him up as I would say that this is Waugh's last season in Australia. I will also be interested to see the battle up front for the starting spots. I think that Holmes should be there somewhere either start or on the bench. I would also like to see some other halfback be nurtured as we only have Ben Lucas as a replacement for Genia. As I have said before we might be a bit light on with strength in the halves??? If Cooper or Genia is injured we don't have that much to fall back on and nothing in the calibre of these two.
Cattledog
Guest
At last we'll see whether or not 2010 was just an aberration.