Australian rugby’s new breakdown “pest” Fraser McReight says he is still learning to pick his moments and that thoughts of a Wallabies call-up remain a fantasy.
But the Queensland Reds backrower has the numbers on the board to mount a case for international recognition as he prepares for his side’s Super Rugby AU preliminary final against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
The 21-year-old leads the abbreviated tournament in turnovers won with 17, six more than next-best teammate Liam Wright and more than double renowned Australia and NSW Waratahs breakdown menace Michael Hooper (eight).
McReight captained the Australia under-20s to silver at last year’s World Championship and has relished a promotion to the Reds’ starting side this year, rather than having to create an impact off the bench.
McReight’s arrival could be viewed as timely for new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, following the retirement of Australia’s long-term pilfering genius David Pocock.
Two Tests are expected against New Zealand next month with the possibility of the Rugby Championship to follow in November.
“I’ve had conversations with Dave and the staff there, but haven’t spoken for a few weeks,” McReight said of his international prospects.
“I didn’t think I was even going to be in the conversation, so it’s a bit of fantasy, not my reality.
“If that does pop up later down the track it’d be great, but in the current climate you don’t know what’s going to happen, so my expectations are pretty low.”
McReight gave away a last-gasp penalty trying to steal possession that allowed the Brumbies to kick a winning penalty last month, but has not gone gun shy as a result.
“(Coach Brad Thorn) sort of gives you a bit of confidence in his own rugged terms, a license to be energetic, be a pest,” he said.
“My big growth was picking and choosing my battles against quality opposition, who can clean you out really easily.
“I’ve been pinged multiple times but it’s a learning curve … and it’s my job to go hunting for the ball.”
He said earning another shot at the ladder-leading Brumbies, and following in the footsteps of the Reds’ 2011 title-winning side, was the main focus.
“That whole squad was awesome, (Will) Genia, Quade (Cooper) all those boys were young, a bit like us,” McReight, who rates former Wallaby Radike Samo among his idols, said.
“We want to go out there and prove … we’re not here to be trifled with.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Hunter Paisami is listed as 185. I’ve played against him and he’d be 175 max
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Hooper probably isn’t as reported. I’m I was 178/92kg and remember meeting Colby Fainga’a and thinking he looked even smaller than me for example. But side by side with Pocock, Hooper doesn’t appear to be significantly shorter, or smaller. He’s a shade shorter and a few kilos lighter.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
I once saw Will Genia listed as 175cm while Pocock was 189cm. :laughing:
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Not sure about that. Pocock is like a bodybuilder. I think he was 95kg at school.
Keggy
Guest
Exactly Markus.There is no way Hooper is 101 kilos. He would be 95 kilos at most. 10 kilos lighter than Hooper.
Markus
Roar Rookie
I'm convinced that the people who report rugby players height and weight figures are the same people who do so for the WWF.
soapit
Roar Guru
interesting there isnt it. ive always been surprised by hoopers height stat as he always seems smaller than contemporaries. even in that pic he looks smaller but I struggle to actually find any point his body is lower than pococks equivalent spot.
soapit
Roar Guru
pocock was only a touch heavier than hooper if yo believe the internet numbers (they should be in the ballpark).
soapit
Roar Guru
the best test teams have plenty of time for big backrowers. players suited to afl are exactly the type we need.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Pocock was how tall and how heavy? He doesn’t seem to be too much taller https://coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/rugby/rugby-world-cup/pooper-take-on-kamikaze-kids-in-back-row-battle-for-the-ages-in-wallabies-quarterfinal-with-england/news-story/c6b433acae530489e5f416b92d46a7f7 Some of the numbers getting around for players are hilarious. Al Baxter and James Slipper were/are 115kg. Pocock may have got to 105kg. Tops. https://wallabies.rugby/players%20and%20coaches/david%20pocock
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Or could be the other 14 players on the field?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If he can hold up in the tight sounds like he could be an amazing modern lock
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I’ve seen a video of him running a length of the field support line to bag a try. Overtaking some backs in the process. Seems to have some speed for a lanky dude. Probably more suited to AFL. I wonder if he is able to put the necessary bulk on to be a proper lock?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah I’ve noticed Douglas playing all across the back row
Paul D
Roar Rookie
The Tahs have a 2m lock playing 7 in Shute for Manly!
The Plank
Guest
Springtime that is possibly why we have struggled consistently against the good big abrasive backrows over the last 5 year with Hooper as first choice 7. When Pocock was our first 7 we were ranked 2nd.Pocock was also taller than Hooper and 115 kilos. No comparison. One was a great 7 the other is good 7.
Highlander
Guest
I reckon this is going to be the big hangover from RA deciding not to send its referees out on the new laws, McReight is going to be a quality footballer but his technique needs to change, esp supporting his weight and second efforts, but the refereeing hasn't forced his hand - he has almost lost a season in terms of development required for the next level.
Springtime
Guest
Hooper is shorter and only 1 kilo heavier than FM. Height: 1.82 m Weight: 101 kg
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Don't see size being an issue for McReight at all. Unless we get a 6'2+ gun 7 come through.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He's also got away with plenty when he isn't supporting his own weight though.