Western Force flyer Luke Morahan doesn’t feel like he’s got a point to prove when he faces his former side in Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Morahan made the switch to the Force at the end of last season after struggling to cement his place in the talent-laden Reds backline.
The 23-year-old is hopeful greater opportunities at the Force will boost his chances of adding to the sole Test appearance he made in 2012.
Morahan hasn’t taken long to establish himself as a key player at the Force, with his work on the wing helping the franchise rise to eighth on the table on the back of a three-match winning streak.
The 95kg speedster says he isn’t feeling any extra pressure heading into the crunch clash against his former side.
“It’s going to be an interesting homecoming, but I’m looking forward to it,” Morahan said on Tuesday.
“I’m good mates with a lot of the guys over there, like James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Aidan Toua and Eddie Quirk.
“I wouldn’t say (it’s about) proving a point.
“It was my goal to become more consistent this year and hopefully I’m leaning towards that.
“It’s been a good start to the season, and I’ve got plenty of ball and plenty of opportunity.”
The Force have won two of their past three encounters against the Reds, with the other match being a draw.
The Force welcome back in-form No.8 Ben McCalman from suspension, but Hugh McMeniman (collarbone) and Chris Alcock (shoulder) will miss the bulk of the season through injury.
The ninth-placed Reds (3-3) have endured a topsy-turvy start to their season, and coach Richard Graham will be desperate to post a win against his former side.
The Force will be aiming to notch four consecutive wins for the first time in their nine-year history.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
I support the reds but if it was a 4 try all draw I'm not gunna be too upset.
Chivas
Guest
In saying that I wish MMM and Allcock the very best and speedy recovery.
Chivas
Guest
I'd say that about the entire tight five. Channel their Ben McCalman. No fear, the harder you run, the harder they have to tackle and the more it hurts them too. Just turn yourself into a runaway cement truck to the bat of your ability. A bit more of that and the Force really would be every bit as devastating as fans like Crazy Horse think. Hope they nail the reds and hand them their a55. I am still not convinced especially with it being a reds home track and the Force coming off a bye. But stranger things have happened. Just ask the Chiefs and Highlanders :-).
Hoy
Roar Guru
Yeah. I reckon you can hit a bloke hard, and still be a nice bloke. But I just want to see him use his size and pace, and not actively avoid taking contact hard and fast.
AndyS
Guest
I would say the same about Rasolea too. They'd be a dangerous pair if they hit the ball moving and offloaded in the tackle.
Chivas
Guest
Hoy, I had a mate like that. Big, strong, fast and soft like a giant teddy. We used to smash him in opposed training runs and purposely p55 him off. He got better by the time he reached mid twenties and could at least sit someone down hard (important for a centre) and no longer ran around like a girl avoiding contact. Anyway, some folk are like that, nice guys on and off the field. Someone needs to make them angry and then help them channel it, but it is a work in progress and takes a bit longer with some than others.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I want to like Morahan for his skills, but for a big bloke, he just won't commit to the run. He runs, stops, stutters, goes in soft, or kicks over the top... it annoys me to see. I just want the bloke to commit to a run, and hit the ball up hard.
Crazy Horse
Guest
The Force have plenty of quality replacements available for both players.
formeropenside
Guest
Shame Morahan left, but it appears Link had some issues with him. I thought he should have played more starting games than he did. Of course, that just means Morahan will find it harder to get a Wallaby jersey for a while.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Go the Force, yeah it will be a fascinating contest ,vital game for both sides
RobC
Roar Guru
A lot of teams are losing a lot of players via injuries. By the time the comp ends, the best team will be the ones who have the most fit, healthy players. NRC also
Chivas
Guest
This game is gonna rock. Match of the week for me. Second is Tahs to see if they can get themselves back on track