Former Wallaby Lachie Turner has hailed the efforts of young half Nick Frisby as the Queensland Reds’ makeshift five-eighth this Super Rugby campaign.
Frisby has been thrown into the No.10 jersey for most of the season with Quade Cooper’s injury woes keeping the Australia representative sidelined for all but two matches for the Reds.
The 22-year-old halfback, who it was announced on Friday has signed a new deal to stay at the Reds until the end of the 2017 season, has struggled at times with his changed role but Turner says on the whole Frisby’s efforts have been commendable.
“What he’s gone through in terms of stepping out from behind a massive shadow into a position he’s not familiar with, asking him to do something he’s never done before and do it in a cauldron that’s as tough as Super Rugby? To see the way he’s handled that and matured into that role, I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Turner said.
“He’s doing a great job for us there that no-one else in the squad could do, I’m proud of him to see where he’s going and the way he’s handling it.”
With speculation increasing that Cooper is poised to join French club Toulon and join 2011 Super Rugby championship heroes Will Genia and James Horwill in the exit lounge, Frisby’s contract extension will be welcome news.
Along with Frisby, captain James Slipper has also signed a new deal to keep him with the Reds until the end of the 2018 season while vice-captain Rob Simmons has committed until the end of 2017.
Slipper, capped 63 times by the Wallabies and the national team’s vice-captain in 2014, signed the long-term deal despite only needing to complete one more season of Super Rugby to be eligible for Wallabies selection as an overseas-based player under new regulations released by the Australian Rugby Union earlier this week.
“To be named captain earlier this year was such an honour and very humbling,” Slipper said.
“I’ve been at Ballymore since I was 18 years old and part of the Reds program now for eight years.
“There’s still plenty I want to achieve in this jersey.”
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
Ahh is that why - knee reconstruction. ... And I hadn't heard about Duncan's head knocks either - I have never had such a busy year so struggling to keep up with all the news - thanks Tws. Apart from QC in 2011, flyhalf has been a real problem position. Hopefully the new reds coach will help attract a decent player. I heard that the reds are waiting to snaffle an off contact coach post world cup. Anyone add to that??
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I'm not sure how Duncan has been since his head knocks, but I believe Jake McIntyre was the Reds first choice as back up. Played 10 for Brisbane City I recall in the NRC. He has been out with a knee reconstruction though. Not sure if he has played a club game yet, hence why he hasn't got near the team yet this year.
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
I think Frisby has done sensationally well also - however: With Quade C and Will G set to leave and the Red's 2015 season already dusted - why persist with NF at 10 ?? Clearly Nic Frisby will be playing 9 next season. Why not give whoever is set to play 10 next year a run now and give them a chance to get up to speed / develop further? Is Duncan Paia’aua the backup 10 or not. If so give him a run and a chance to get up to speed before next season. If not why not? ...or are the Reds just going to sign up a new 10 and then a backup 10 from somewhere for the 2016 season?