Newly-elevated Reds leader Samu Kerevi has hailed Queensland’s culture the best he’s seen at the rebuilding Super Rugby club.
Kerevi, just 23 and only in his fourth season of Super Rugby, said a far more inclusive and supportive culture under coach Nick Stiles has allowed for all players – young and old – to take more responsibility.
The bruising Wallabies centre believes it’s that off-field improvement which should see an on-field turnaround when the Reds kick off their 2017 campaign against the Sharks on Friday night.
“Everyone’s got a voice now,” Kerevi told AAP.
“Guys like Eto Nabuli and Chris Kuridrani, the younger guys, everyone’s really come out their shells and feel like they can contribute to the team.”
Stiles, a co-coach last year with Matt O’Connor, this month named Kerevi in a five-man leadership group alongside captain James Slipper, playmaker Quade Cooper, Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore and rising prop Sam Talakai.
It’s that mix of young and old that Kerevi believes has the Reds in good shape for the year after a gruelling pre-season full of “sacrifices”.
Alongside Talakai, Kerevi is a leader among the big contingent of players with a Pacific Island background.
“Hopefully we can be a bit of a bridge to the older playing group, but I really think the culture Stilesy has created is one where everyone feels comfortable,” said the Fiji-born strike weapon, who spurned offers from the Brumbies and Rebels to stay in Brisbane.
“Everyone is a leader in the team really. We’ve all worked so hard for each other, for our families, for Queensland”.
Stiles and his assistant coaches – Brad Thorn, Shane Arnold and Jason Gilmore – drilled the squad with fitness, contact and skills sessions before Christmas.
The attacking structures feel simpler, and sharper according to Kerevi, who hailed the inclusion of attack coach Arnold to the squad.
Arnold coached a Queensland club rugby side, GPS, featuring Kerevi, Kuridrani and halfback Nick Frisby to a local grand final in 2013.
“He’s someone I’ve always turned to for advice, so it’s definitely made it easier having him around,” the eight-Test centre said.
Kerevi, a crowd favourite for his blockbusting runs and deft footwork, insists leadership won’t change the way he plays but was surprised to be given extra responsibilities.
“I was pretty shocked at first to be honest, it’s such a huge honour,” he said.
Marto
Guest
Thursday 23rd February from 9:00am – 8:00pm at the St.George Ballymore Rugby House .. ONYA bike UTB ..HAHA
UTB
Guest
Yeah - I got the email. But I want to spend my Friday evening in the pub not queuing at the ground for my bloody ticket. That's why I paid for a season ticket. Why didn't they just email them to us like ticketek do??? We renewed our tickets (which we've had for 3 seasons) and they moved us without any consultation. Not ideal either. Looks like they sacked the admin to pay for the new roster - ha ha. Go Reds!
Marto
Guest
I received mine Monday ,if not, you should have got this email ... Dear Marto, We are aware that some members are still awaiting their Membership Cards and Packs and for this we sincerely apologise. While our partners have assured us that these will arrive early this week, as a provision, we have instructed Ticketek to issue all members a paper ticket. Please note: If you have already received your 2017 Membership Card and/or Pack, please disregard this message and enter the Stadium as per usual. It is important to understand that your paper ticket will still provide all member benefits, such as access to Member Bars within the Stadium and you will only gain access to the stadium by one (1) of these methods (either your Membership Card, if you have it or a paper ticket). In relation to the collection of your Member Ticket, please see collection times below: • Wednesday 22nd February from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the St.George Ballymore Rugby House • Thursday 23rd February from 9:00am – 8:00pm at the St.George Ballymore Rugby House • Friday 24th February 12:00pm – 7:00pm at the Caxton Street end of Suncorp Stadium We apologise for the delays and appreciate your patience throughout this process. If you have any enquiries regarding the above information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Membership Team on 1300 QLD REDS (1300 753 733). Kind Regards, Queensland Rugby Union
Marto
Guest
SAMUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU KEREVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
UTB
Guest
All good - but where's my feckin season tickets????? Season starts in 2 days...........they've had our money for 4 months...
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Guest
very encouraging murmurs coming out of the Reds. Looking forward to seeing them shine.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
I love this young bloke, he is so enthusiastic and sincere. I can see how his attitude would be infectious and in a leadership role positive for the team. Talakai comes across as a good bloke too, a couple of times I have noticed that he was the first to pat an upset teammate on the shoulder, an important role.