Karmichael Hunt reckons it’s “chalk and cheese” comparing the new-look Queensland Reds with the Super Rugby strugglers of the past few years.
The Reds made an encouraging start to their new era under coach Nick Stiles at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens, narrowly losing their quarter-final 12-10 to the Chiefs on Sunday.
They started strongly and were up at half-time courtesy of a spectacular Samu Kerevi try.
But second-half yellow cards to Taniela Tupou and Leroy Houston meant far too much open space at Suncorp Stadium for the Chiefs to exploit, and the advantage helped them work their way back into the contest.
Tupou has copped a two-week suspension for headbutting Chiefs skipper Liam Messam, sidelining him for the Reds’ season opener against the Sharks on February 24.
One of Queensland’s better performers across the two-day pre-season tournament in his comeback from injury, Hunt said there was a positive mood in the team as they shift their attention to Tuesday’s final pre-season clash against the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore.
“It’s chalk and cheese, definitely to the last couple of years,” Hunt said.
“The boys are really just enjoying themselves.
“We’re putting in a lot of hard work and everyone’s standing up and wanting to be counted for. Stilesy’s obviously encouraged that.”
Hunt said he was relieved to be back playing for the first time since May last year, when he was sidelined by a serious groin injury.
“It’s good to be back. It’s been a while,” he said.
“Obviously it’s been a long pre-season for me, I’ve had the groin surgically fixed up over the break and it’s just been a tough slog in this heat.”
Stiles, meanwhile, hailed his eight-man team for the character they showed in not being blown away by the Chiefs.
“Defence is built on heart, on character, and if you’ve watched the Reds play in the last couple of years we’ve struggled in the defensive area,” he said.
The Reds will go close to fielding a full-strength team against the Rebels but Stiles said it was unlikely veteran recruit George Smith, who has just returned from the Japanese Top League, will play, with young back-rower Adam Korczyk set for a run instead.
Marto
Guest
I`m always here bro. .Win lose or draw.. Will you go missing when the REBELS lose?? Or are you a kiwi living in Melbourne who supports the Rebels when they play against anyone other than a kiwi team?? . .Do you also have all 5 kiwi jerseys in your wardrobe ?? Or i am purely wrong in my assumptions and you are an Aussie ?? ;) :)
Vic rugby
Guest
You will go missing as usual when the losses start
Vic rugby
Guest
Keep it up marto Hopefully it will ease the pain of so much losing
Marto
Guest
Well Eto is a hell of a lot better the CFS.. He is still not match fit I reckon ..He was away from the main training group last week when I watchwed on fan day and didn't feature in the RUGBY TENS at all...From Memory only Smith Neville CFS and Magnay wern`t named in any teams on the weekend or in tonights trial ..Its a worry The Reds host the Melbourne Rebels at Ballymore Stadium tonight night at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at www.redsrugby.com.au or at the gate. St.George Queensland Reds side to play Melbourne Rebels Pre-season match, 6:30pm, Tuesday 14 February, Ballymore Stadium 1. James Slipper (C) 2. Stephen Moore 3. Sam Talakai 4. Rob Simmons 5. Kane Douglas 6. Hendrik Tui 7. Adam Korczyk 8. Leroy Houston 9. Nick Frisby 10. Quade Cooper 11. Eto Nabuli 12. Duncan Paia’aua 13. Samu Kerevi 14. Izaia Perese (uncapped) 15. Karmichael Hunt Reserves 16. Andrew Ready 17. Markus Vanzati (uncapped) 18. Sef Fa’agase 19. Lukhan Tui 20. Michael Gunn 21. James Tuttle 22. Jake McIntyre 23. Chris Kuridrani 24. Izack Rodda (uncapped) 26. Scott Higginbotham 27. Henry Taefu 13. Tyrone Lefau (uncapped) 14. Lachlan Maranta (uncapped) 15. Jayden Ngamanu (uncapped)
Marto
Guest
hahaha.. Messam should be charged for bringing the game into disrepute...His Nana would have given him harder headbutts ... ( Maori welcome for the Un Zudders who don't know what i`m getting at )
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Veteran player out annoying the police at 3am, young player suspended for 2 weeks for foul play. The season better start soon!
Boz the Younger
Guest
Korczyk Has improved a lot, I think he may have put on 5kg which was really needed. I will look forward to seeing how he goes. Magnus is finishing his recovery from a shoulder injury and won't be playing the trial game tonight.
in brief
Guest
snore
Hello Everybody.
Guest
Why is this such a big thing for you guys? Is it not time to move on?
Bfc
Guest
IFF Hunt performs at Super Rugby level...he may be 'tapped' for higher honours? Great in contact, hasn't forgotten how to tackle as he did in his league days, good short passing game...and he can kick long (unlike that other fullback...).
grapeseed
Guest
Rebels are my number 2.
Adsa
Guest
"Waratahs miss play offs" it even sounds good!
Harry
Guest
Nabuli still looks lazy. Allow him to get a head of steam up though and he's highly dangerous. Not an instinctive player though. Kerevi looked really good yes and Ready was energetic.
Harry
Guest
I have a feeling the Tahs might struggle and it will be the Rebels coming through in the Aus conference. So not a bad bet. I am hoping for the best for the Reds but TBH a bit pessimistic after seeing them at the Tens ... the skills didn't look all that wonderful.
Marto
Guest
" $2.50 if the Waratahs miss the playoffs " ..I`ll put 50k on that, no risk..
Marto
Guest
Korcyk Ready Hunt Nabuli and Kerevi impressed...Leroy Houston Flopped
grapeseed
Guest
Marto, rugby in 2015/16 is a blur, wiped from my memory. Also, Sportsbet are paying $4 for the Reds to win the Aus conference, plus $2.50 if the Waratahs miss the playoffs. I'm thinking about putting $10k on each. With a $1K bet at 21-1 for the Reds to also be outright winners, I could walk away with nearly $90k in August. The beauty is that even if the Reds do poorly, I only need the Tahs to miss the playoffs and I cover my stakes PLUS a few $k left over for a decent night out.
Marto
Guest
Grape with all due respect, that was so 2015 :)
Marto
Guest
REDS will do ok this year, but it is really all academic in the big scheme of things as Checka has already locked in all the WARATAHS for his WALLABY test team.
grapeseed
Guest
Just don't bring too many "positive vibes" this year, Karmichael. Go Reds 2017!