A fond farewell has been planned for Queensland’s James Horwill and Will Genia at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
But the jury is still out on whether playmaker Quade Cooper may also be playing his final home game for the Reds this weekend.
Queensland coach Richard Graham said a revitalised Reds were focused on sending out Horwill and Genia on the right note on home soil against the highly fancied Chiefs.
Horwill will link with English club Harlequins and fellow ex-Reds captain Genia is off to France’s Stade Francais following the World Cup, ensuring Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash will be their last at their beloved Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s significant to honour those guys in the right way,” Graham said.
“Both leave a legacy at the organisation.”
They run out for the last time in a Reds jersey against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on June 13, ending a forgettable season for the Reds.
However, it remains to be seen whether Cooper will join them.
He is still in negotiations with the Reds and the Australian rugby union but Cooper has the option of taking up a lucrative deal with cashed up French club Toulon.
Graham could not provide an update on talks.
“That’s a conversation with Quade and the ARU really – we have stated our case,” he said.
Cooper hardly appears distracted by the negotiations judging by his stellar return from a broken shoulder blade that inspired Queensland’s 32-10 win over Western Force last weekend.
“He leads by example, he is really good at directing the boys around,” Reds skipper James Slipper said of Cooper after their second win in three games.
“But that performance was from a team orientated gameplan, everyone stood up.”
Slipper dipped his hat to their departing veterans Genia and Horwill but believed a victory would provide a more fitting tribute.
“They have both played over 100 caps for their state – that’s a remarkable achievement in any sport,” he said.
“They have definitely left the club in better hands from when they started.
“Both play with a lot of pride and put their heats on their sleeves.
“It would be nice to send them out winners.”
Horwill stepped aside as skipper at the start of the 2015 Super Rugby season but Slipper said the veteran lock never stopped leading.
“I have been lucky enough to go through this year with James still at the club,” Slipper said.
“It’s been great to learn from someone so experienced and well respected.”
Jack
Guest
How was your career Not Bothered did you ever reach the heights which both player Horwill and Genia have during their careers?Show some respect you goose.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Perhaps a little bit of both. Certainly the end of an era which didn't quite live up to it's 2011 promise.
jeznez
Roar Guru
BFC not sure where to look at total numbers of players cracking the 100 caps for the Reds or Brumbies but one thing that stands out to me is the quality of the players for those franchises. The likes of Eales, Horan, Gregan and Larkham are amongst Australia's greatest players. For the Tahs a lot of our centurions aren't at that highest echelon. Below is our full list: Baxter Burke Lyons Palu Polota-Nau Robinson Waugh Mumm is on 95 caps so will be a chance to get there with his new contract. Dunning was on 99, Frier 91 and Grey 94. Special mention to Cyril Towers who managed 85 caps between 1926-1938.
Not Bothered
Guest
Era or error? Both maybe.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
The end of an era.
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Out of interest when Quade Cooper gets more than one use of the ball in a singular attack phase, how often do Qld score or improve their field position? Be an interesting stat.
Pillock
Guest
I think your being too kind both Genia and more so Horwill have been far below their best for a few seasons now. That's not to say they haven't served Qld well just that it's frustrating to see them play now when you know what they are capable of.
slaven
Guest
I agree TWAS. Red cards aside, I think he has played quite well this year, particularly in the set piece, which is why I think he should be considered as the bench lock behind Skelton and Simmons. I remember Scott Allen saying Horwill was one of the best lineout callers in Oz, and the Reds' scrum with he and Simmons in the engine room has been very good this season. He is certainly not as dynamic and physical as he was before his injuries, but if we are able to bring on players like TPN, Sio or Higgers, I think we can have Horwill there to sure up the set piece against teams like England and Wales.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Horwill's 2015 form has been better than his 2014 form.
Bfc
Guest
Maybe so...but 'Kev' had a good game against the Force by all reports..Valid point re:Frisby (jeez...he is a quality 9 but definitely not a 10..). Genia and Horwill are two more "100 game Reds"...while it the professional era, and player managers will 'shop' their clients to anyone who pays (they get a cut...), it is great to see that some players show an affection and loyalty for their 'club'. How many players have earned 100 Caps for their province/club...I suspect the QLD/Reds have more than any other Oz club...? Should be great night...no shortage of Kiwi rugby fans in Brissy, last home game for the Reds, Horwill and Genia, QC back and firing. Hope the joint is packed!
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Both are a loss, but Horwill's form is on the decline as he also becomes a penalty magnet for lazy play. Recruiting Neville is good although I'd like someone with a bit more mongrel. Frisby is quite a good replacement for Genia. If it is Quade's last game, it will be a shame for the fans if they don't announce it until after he has played his last home game. I hope Gill stays too.
Happyman
Guest
Good luck to both men excellent players and great players for the state best of luck to them next year.
MH01
Guest
I hope they get a great farewell on Saturday , though not a Reds fan, always supported them as my second Oz team behind the Brumbies. Well done lads, and thanks for the good memories. Also kinda excited about the final round, reds with a chance to farewell some great players and mess up the tahs finals hopes.