Liam Wright, at just 22, has been named as the new captain of the Queensland Reds to replace the departed Samu Kerevi for this year’s Super Rugby season.
He’s only 22, but new Queensland Reds captain Liam Wright has the smarts, skill and respect to lead his team back to the Super Rugby finals, says coach Brad Thorn.
The one-Test Wallabies flanker is the surprise successor to departed skipper Samu Kerevi, edging out lock Izack Rodda, himself only 23.
Wright, who made his Test debut in the Eden Park Bledisloe clash last year, has captaincy experience under Thorn with both the Queensland under-20s and Queensland Country.
“It’s actions first; he walks the walk and when he speaks people listen,” Thorn said.
“He’s not a quiet guy, but he’s articulate and has good composure.
“He’s a fine young man but I’m pleased that it was a hard decision …. it’s a young group that’s growing and there’s many guys showing good leadership.”
Wright will lead a side with just one player – recruit Henry Speight – aged over 30 but Wright says there will be no excuses as the Reds seek a first finals appearance since 2013.
“Big time, that’s what we’ve been working towards,” Wright said.
“We’ve had a few years where we’ve been in that rebuilding process so we want to start making our mark on this competition now.”
Gun trio Kerevi, Scott Higginbotham and Sefa Naivalu have left for overseas clubs but Wallabies comeback player James O’Connor and veteran Brumbies winger Speight have been added to plug those backline holes.
Emerging back Jordan Petaia lasted just one full game before a foot injury last season while prop Taniela Tupou is locked into a new long-term deal as the Reds seek their first finals appearance since 2013.
Zenn
Roar Rookie
TWAS, I share your concern about his mass. At 22-23 he had a few years to add plenty of lean muscle. Thanks for your comment elsewhere outlining the increasing number of home-grown Rebels.
RobC
Roar Guru
Yes Lucas at 10. I think so Red
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
Yeah and how's that policy working out so far? But then as you say, no D-Heads plus we're inclusive and that's so much better than being in the finals.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
I have seen McReight playing NRC - outstanding talent. He was Australian U20's captain. Why Wright was given the job ahead of McReight is a mystery ; maybe coach Goon just got their names mixed up or Brad is not going to select him this season. Fraser better Ring Will Genia and look for a job in Japan ASAP.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Bentnuc, yeah I thought Hegarty was fine for the Reds at 10.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
The reds are free to sign Folau whenever they want.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree Markus, I was sure it would be Rodda. Congrats to Liam though and hope he goes well.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Johnny J, he's very busy in his dad's church - leave him there saving souls, much more important than playing rugby. ps. I think it's called a No D-Heads Policy.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Let’s see Lucas in action Yes I think a lot hinges on Lucas this year - do you mean at 10, RobC? If we can get some decent and consistent play from 10, there is plenty of talent outside that.
Charlie Turner
Guest
You'd have to say his credibility coming into 2020 is low but the important thing is what it will look like at the end of this season. The Reds could've had Stuart Lancaster.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
In 2018 the Waratahs moved Folau to the wing and Hegarty forced his way into the starting line up at fullback… can’t be that bad a player for a coach to move their marketing posterboy to the wing??? FYI. Hegarty contributed more Tries and Try assists (12) for the Reds than Kerevi (11) last year but all you hear about is how Kerevi was all their attack
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Good to see Wright get the nod. Good player but would be happy with Rhodda too. Always thought having the openside as captain is of benefit (eg Richie). A lot of hope for the Reds this year. We have gained on of the most underrated players in Super Rugby (Speight) and lost one of the most overrated (Kerevi). Another underrated player in Hegarty will have a great season if he is kept at full back. If Lucas and McDermott have worked on their kicking game and if Tupou can half his penalty count it will go a long way to improving on last year! Good back rowers coming through too. LSL must be a replacement lock at best. I cannot handle the torture of watching him play 6 as with the Wallabies
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks for sharing gents. I haven't looked into whatever improvements the Reds have made for 2020. So I cant I expect anything different from the Reds. For now, based on the last couple of years, I expect none. In any case, this article is a distraction: - The real story is what is BTs credibility going into 2020? - I cant believe for the life of me, that we cant find a better coach
RobC
Roar Guru
I’m not into name calling a person. But his results have been a dill: – 3rd last in 2018 in the comp – 2nd last last year Until I see a marked improvement I don’t trust anything he says or does has a positive effect for Reds. I pity the players: – So much potential – But end up losing badly. If they improve their D 2020 maybe they have a chance. But without Samu Km they need to be much smarter in attack Let’s see Lucas in action.
RobC
Roar Guru
Incisive coaching?
JamesDuncan
Roar Guru
Yes, that's true. They're shaving dead wood and backing their youth, but I think they'll have plenty of growing pains.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
So you think 57 year old Campo would make the Reds team this season? That's the extent of your counter-argument? All coaches given the choice between Hegarty and Folau have gone for Folau and given a choice, Thorn would have done the same. But Joyce said no, so the Reds are trying to sell me and others Hegarty instead. Fat chance. I'm faster than Hegarty. Literally.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
How good is it that we are talking about good things in rugby not the nonsense from last year!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Rightly so. He shouldn't be expected to suddenly win, but he need the team to win more games to show they are going somewhere.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
JD I think anything less than 50% is going to draw a lot of heat for Thorn.