Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby preparations have been thrown into disarray due to a Covid outbreak, with with star player James O’Connor and coach Brad Thorn late withdrawals from Saturday night’s trial against Western Force.
The pair, along with Jordan Petaia and Jock Campbell, are now in doubt for the second and final Reds trial against NSW in Roma next weekend, with the competition kicking off a week later.
Petaia was earmarked to play at fullback where he’s expected to mount a challenge for a Wallabies jersey in a problematic position, while Campbell was due to have a stint at No.10 against the Force, who won the trial 42-33.
The absences meant six players stepped up for their Reds debuts, among them Tom Lynagh, who sparked some deja vu in his grandfather Ian on the way to Ballymore.
Softly spoken, with an English accent, the son of Wallaby legend Michael, said he enjoyed connecting with his grandparents, whom he’s staying with while he settles in Brisbane.
Tom Lynagh made his Reds debut in a trial against Western Force. (Photo by Brendan Hertel/QRU)
“I’ve heard all the stories and history about Ballymore from dad and my grandad and considering all of that it’s an honour to play here,” said Lynagh, who played the second half at No.10.
“He got a bit of deja vu on the drive, remembering when my dad debuted here at 18.
“It’s been really good connecting with them after not seeing them for four or so years.
“I was feeling pretty nervous this morning, but warming up I got comfortable,”
Lynagh’s captain, Liam Wright, was impressed.
“With a few things being thrown out the window thanks to Covid just before kick-off I was really impressed with Tom Lynagh, especially the way he handled himself, commanding a role at 10. He’s really good. He put his body on the line and played some smart footy.”
Lynagh looked totally home on the stage where his dad thrilled for years.
Former Reds forward Izack Rodda was impressive for the Force, while winger Toni Pulu scored two early tries.
The Reds led 33-21 before the young unsettled team was swept aside down the stretch, conceding the final three tries in the last 10 minutes.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
He had Sorovi as a reserve #9 last year. He managed to get a poor performance from much the same squad in the 2020 final. I think they won despite him. The Brumbires were poor. Quack quack.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
They won the SRAU competition last year, you utter pelican.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Would love to see Joc get an opportunity at 12 and Lynagh at 10. I think some rest for Joc will be helpful at times this season too which will really open up game time for Lynagh. Another young 10 to add to the fleet in Aus.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Had similar thought Rhys. What a wild ride for a kid- son of one of Queensland’s favourite sons. Grows up in England, only to find that he is parachuted into a crowd prejudiced positively towards him, despite an accent that echoes old foes. He may yet fly. And as a fly half. JOC might play 12, which is arguably a better fit?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Well played JC, but semantics can hold cunning destructive antics.
JC
Roar Rookie
Happy to leave the semantics to others, Ken. Just hoping the Reds are fit, well and at full strength for the season’s start.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Ha! My quip to the lone sky blue wolf occasionally sighted in the street was “you are a brave man – or an incurable optimist “
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Jake Gordon scored at hattrick against Thomas in 2021 . I can't believe Sorovi was dumped for Thomas. The Reds will improve with Thorn locked away.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Not looking for trouble JC, but ‘Covid outbreak’ is a term often used, but seldom defined, accurately and openly. It’s suggestive of disease, sickness, hospitalisation and death. Is that how you intended to use it? Or is it here applied to a ‘testing’ regime, thoroughly criticised for its accuracy, not to mention efficacy, in managing a disease, that may, or may not, be spreading between asymptomatic persons. The use of the word ‘Outbreak’ in relation to results from novel and inconclusive test protocols is inappropriately dramatic in my humble opinion (and possibly in my other opinions too :silly: ). There may, or may not, be variants of concern, though no test in my awareness differentiates the assortment, but there certainly are scariants. Neither, assuming they exist, would be good for our health. Personally, I prefer outbreaks in the centres, where the 12 or 13 is generous to the winger in support.
Hertryk
Roar Rookie
Gosh he looks like his Grand Father
jeznez
Roar Guru
Still wore mine out last year. People asked me if I was embarrassed and I had to say, I was not. Even though they lost every game I was still proud of the fight those guys showed. Got a bit of hope that there might be a couple of wins this year. Missing a few key players early will make it tought though.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Horton seems to be the front runner. Started vs Brumbies and rested on the weekend. Porecki and Vailanu have split the remaining time. Ramm and Harrison had most of the time at 15 v the Brumbies, Newsome/Ramm split it on the weekend.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Wow, Colvin! The thot plickens. Nick and Tate have less daylight in the equation, theoretically at least.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Jez, I know what month it is, but when you look at that line up, and imagine the input of a coach with a record in team cohesion, I cannot help a tinge of tentative excitement. Some dusty old Tahs fan jerseys may see some daylight in the street sans embarrassment this year?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I’d like to see Rennies answer to your question James, especially at 6 and 8.
jameswm
Roar Guru
So Horton ahead of Porecki? And interesting the back 3 is so open, but from what I read Funa did well. I hope Ramm gets one of the other 2 sports. He always looked more like a FB to me, but apparently is more of a specialist winger.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
:happy: Ha! I’m still catching up with all the kids’ names :silly:
jeznez
Roar Guru
G'day James, There will be a bit of change with the side depending on when some first choice players join in. We still haven't seen Perese yet, think they are being careful of his shoulder after injury last year. Hanigan will only join in April, Hooper will miss the first third of the season. We haven't seen Ruan Smith yet but I'm not sure if he's in the main 23 or not, think they'll want to give Tiaan Tauakipulu a shot. Carlo Tizzano is yet to play also - not sure what is happening there with Charlie Gamble and Tom Silk getting the minutes so far. They've given some clues though, they seemed to start something like their strongest side against the Brumbies and they rested a number of their strongest for the Shute trials on the weekend. For now looks like: 1. Angus Bell 2. Tom Horton 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes 4. Jez Williams (Ned Hanigan upon return) 5. Jed Holloway 6. Lachie Swinton 7. Charlie Gamble (Michael Hooper on return) 8. Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco (But Harris and Gleeson both pushing hard) 9. Jake Gordon (Captain) 10. Ben Donaldson 11. Tevita Funa 12. Lalakai Foketi 13. Izaia Perese 14. Quite open Alex Newsome, James Turner, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase, James Ramm, Dylan Pietsch all to have a say 15. Similarly open Alex Newsome, Mark Nawaqanitawase, James Ramm, Harry Wilson, Max Burey and Will Harrison look to be the candidates 16. Dave Porecki 17. Te Tara Faulkner 18. Tiaan Tauakipulu (Smith if they expect a tougher scrum contest) 19. Max Douglas 20. Harris/Gleeson depending on selection at 8 21. Jack Grant 22. Tane Edmed (may change once Harrison is back) 23. depends what happens with the 14/15 jerseys. Still got guys like Jamie Roberts and the centres that came off the bench v the Brumbies in Nick Chan and Ratu Luke Nadurutalo to come into consideration as well. We should get a bit more of an indication vs the Reds in their hit out in Roma this weekend.
jeznez
Roar Guru
He’s the 10, Ken.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Off topic Jex but are the Tahs looking like this? 1. Bell - hopefully a big season 2. Porecki 3. HJH 4. Holloway I guess 5. Cridge - but is he really a starter? Otherwise Douglas or Hanigan (and RWV starting) 6. Hanigan when he gets here - or is he here already? 7. Hooper 8. Swinton 9. Gordon 10. Donaldson 11. Newsome 12. Foketi 13. Perese 14. Funa 15. Ramm - I like the idea of him here and he playerd there againstt he Brumbies. 16. Horton 17. Tet Faulkner - also Tauakipulu 18. Ruan Smith at reserve TH 19. Douglas 20. Warren-Vosayaco 21. Grant 22. Edmed (assume Harrison out) 23. Nawaqanitawase Hooker and lock looking the skinniest. No stars in the backline, but maybe Perese, Gordon, Donaldson and Funa will be a handful.