Tim Horan has endorsed emerging Wallabies back-rower Fraser McReight to fill the void if the 21-year-old is called on to replace the injured Liam Wright as Queensland Reds captain this year.
Wright is forecast to miss up to 10 weeks after suffering an ankle injury in last week’s sole Super Rugby AU trial game.
It means he’ll be up against it to feature in this season’s domestic competition, which begins on February 19.
Eyebrows were raised when the 22-year-old was chosen as the Reds captain last year.
But the back-rower justified the call, ahead of then 23-year-old Wallabies regular Izack Rodda, as Queensland remained unbeaten at home and reached the Super Rugby AU final.
Coach Brad Thorn could blood and even younger captain with Wright on the sidelines – McReight is due to turn 22 on the same day the Reds open their season against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
Horan said with Wright out of the equation, McReight was a logical replacement as captain after leading the Junior Wallabies to the 2019 World Cup final and captaining in the second-tier National Rugby Championship.
He was also, on his first Test campaign last year, hand-picked by new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie to share a room with captain Michael Hooper.
“He’s very young but he’s a good kid and I think it would be a great call,” Horan told AAP.
“Fraser’s captained many teams before and you’d think now he holds the No.7 jersey (with Wright not in the side).
“So he’s guaranteed to start, has the leadership history and (needs to be) well respected within the group.
“We don’t know that third point unless we’re inside the team, but I’m sure he is.”
Horan, who will form part of the broadcast team as Super Rugby moves to Network Nine and Stan Sports this season, said the Reds “had plenty to prove” after losing to the Brumbies in last year’s final.
“Liam is a very good player on the field and a great person off it and a big part of their rejuvenated culture last year, so it’s a huge blow,” he said.
“They’ve a lot to prove again this year and so does Brad Thorn.”
The Reds and Brumbies are clear bookies favourites ahead of the Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels and Western Force to contend for this year’s title.
“I can see the Waratahs surprising a few people this year,” Horan warned after watching their trial game victory over the Reds last week.
“They had plenty in their first year … (Mark) Nawaqanitawase, (James) Ramm, (Joey) Walton just navigating the competition.
“I get that feeling that they’re building towards something.”
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yeah I never tire of it. Reckon he was a WB captain in the making, just never all came together.
jeznez
Roar Guru
That’s brilliant! He was so good for us at the Tahs. Just age catching up with him.
liquorbox_
Roar Rookie
Did you ever mix with him when he played league? Maybe he is always like that?
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Yep..you proved me wrong. Thanks RR. Great clip
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
This clip looks like a bloke who got on with his team mates and indeed was firmly in a leadership role. https://youtu.be/BzqaSBc8r6A
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Hey Markus, happy to be proved wrong. I didn't even consider drugs in my opinion. The few times I mixed with the Reds and to a less extent the Wallabies, he seemed to be on the fringes during social events. He never seemed over joyed with where he was. Again....I could be very wrong (I hope so). I hope he finishes off his career with League on a high.
Wheelbarrow
Roar Rookie
Agree with this - true talent and leader.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Captain or not . Like Pocock, JOC is the leader . McReight has enough on his plate , living up to the hype.
Markus
Roar Rookie
I think that's a harsh assessment. After the drugs suspension, which from memory was for offences that all occurred before he had even joined up with the Reds, all accounts indicate that Hunt was nothing but a professional in his approach and a supporter of younger players in the squad. Hunt's biggest problem was that he was on the wrong side of 30 for most of his rugby career and was out injured regularly.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
90% of what goes on here is opinion mate so I wouldn’t worry about that. I agree with you on JOC not being a good choice. Not so much for a selfish attitude but more on that I think he’s better suited to an advising role without the responsibility of being named captain. If he does get it I think it’ll affect his game
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Agree with Tim Horan here. I would also make Tate VC. My opinion (only) is making JOC captain would be a mistake. I am not convinced he puts the team and jersey before himself. Wilson needs to continue to develop his game to ensure he reaches the heights we expect. Good to see Hunt has returned to league. From an outsiders point of view he never fitted into culture of rugby (Reds, Tahs or Wallabies). I'm happy to be informed otherwise.