Izack Rodda has put the disappointment of missing the Queensland captaincy behind him ahead of the side’s Super Rugby opener on Friday.
Izack Rodda wasn’t sure what more he could’ve done to win the Queensland Reds captaincy this season.
But the 22-Test Wallabies lock says he’s swallowed his pride and backs the appointment of Liam Wright as skipper for the Super Rugby season starting Friday.
Rodda missed both trial matches following off-season ankle surgery but is fit and expected to play against the Brumbies in their Canberra opener.
After deputising for now-departed captain Samu Kerevi last season, Rodda was surprisingly pipped for the Reds’ top job by 22-year-old backrower Wright.
“At first it was a pretty hard pill to swallow,” vice-captain Rodda told AAP.
“It left me questioning what else I had to do to get it.
“But we all got sat down and explained why and it made it easier to take and I learnt a lot from that.”
The 23-year-old Rodda’s selflessness was a big reason he was tipped for the job in the first place.
But that, and his appreciation of the selection process, have helped him move on.
“It was an open playing field; you got to say your bit and I have complete faith they picked the right guy for the job and 100 per cent back that.
“It’s hard to swallow your pride, but if it’s best for the team then I’m 100 per cent here for it.”
Rodda thinks that mentality is a clear strength as the side chases a return to the finals for the first time since 2013.
“It’s time we do go well and there’s no limit to what we can achieve if we stay hungry,” he said.
“We’re a very close team, we get along, travel well and there is that good vibe you don’t get in certain teams.”
That close bond will be put to the test in a torrid opening three weeks that features a road trip from Canberra to Argentina via South Africa to play the Brumbies, Lions and Jaguares before their first home game on February 22.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
Thorn. What an absolute drongo. And that is an insult to other drongos.
mused6
Roar Rookie
A very passionate player, Rodda. Leads from the front, and vocal. Great player. Love watching him play. His match against the highlanders last year in round one, a great example. Speaks his mind off the field and that is great. Maybe not the type of captain needed just yet with this young group? It seems wright is a bit more quiet, calculating and the more mobile player of the two, so quicker to the ref! Perhaps Thorn sees Rodda more like himself, in the workhorse/ enforcer type role and wright more in the mould of others he has played with. Regardless, how the reds progress this season will be the true reflection of the coaches decision.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Don, it's luke 2 best mates vying for the attention of the same lady. One wins the prize and the other ain't happy for a while. Hopefully and I'm sure he will get over it, Rodda accepts the facts (THAT Thorn chose Wright and not him) and has a great season for the Reds and Wallabies as well.
Don
Roar Rookie
Wright and Rodda are good mates. Play club rugby together at Easts and have spent loads of time together before playing for QLD. Both are highly respected by other players because they play hard and care about their mates. I don't think anyone expected Liam to be appointed Captain after one full season so why would Rodda have thought any differently? As a starting Wallaby with a couple of very strong SR seasons under his belt and good test form he would have naturally expected to be high on the Reds captaincy candidates list. And wanting to be captain is not a fault. Being someone who wants the responsibility is a good thing.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Listen to Thorn, at your peril !
Bobby
Roar Rookie
I don't think he ever came out, just quietly went about his business.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Red Rob, AAA,FF,SIO,SLIPPER, HOOPER, JOC,JOTDAN P, B3ALE, DHP, HODGE, ULESE,KORO and probably others have just as good a shot
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
How do we know that Wright didn’t really want the captaincy too?
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Not many other candidates for the WB captaincy, he is therefore a chance.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
He could have said a lot less than “At first it was a pretty hard pill to swallow, It left me questioning what else I had to do to get it.” To me it sounds candid.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Probably the smartest thing Thorn has done, appointing Wright over Rodda. Anyone who is disparate to be captain, should NEVER be a captain. Wright has the respect of the whole group (maybe less one) and will do a good job, on and off the field.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Absolutely no chance!
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Help me remember.....did a very recent All Black captain play for his Super Rugby team under an up and coming captain? Rodda seems like a leader of men whether he has the “C” beside his name or not.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Don’t worry Isaac. You may be destined for another job as Captain. Listen to Thorn, get better, get selected and you will be a good chance, along with Alaatoa. My other candidate is Matt Toomua, but I don’t think he’s good enough to get in the side.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Red Rob, in all honesty what would you expect him to say. He is filthy in reality.
Bleedsgreenand gold
Roar Rookie
The Reds are looking good for a 2-1 start for the year. (2 WINS that is)
RobC
Roar Guru
Just when you hoped selection head scratchers by the Reds was over.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
A credit to him for his honesty, nothing more destructive for a team than unspoken festering hurt. It’s also certain to figure in Rennie’s thinking on the WB’s leadership.