Wallabies and NSW five-eighth Bernard Foley expects Queensland to target his recently injured shoulder in his Super Rugby return in Brisbane.
Foley, who had an off-season stint in Japan, missed the Waratahs' first three games due to an AC joint injury he suffered in their final pre-season trial.
The team isn't expected to be named until Friday, but Foley is adamant he's ready to do a full shift.
After completing a full contact session on Thursday, Foley is confident the shoulder will be fine but says the big challenge will come on Sunday.
"It will be a good test for the shoulder," Foley said.
"I'm sure the Reds will probably send a bit of traffic that way.
"I'm putting my hand up to play 80 minutes. I wouldn't go into the side if I didn't think I could play that.'
The enforced layoff could pay dividends for Foley, who has worked on his fitness and had extra time to learn the systems put in place by new coach Daryl Gibson.
"I suppose we've used it as a bit of a mini-pre season," Foley said.
"Our strength and conditioning team have been able to put me through my paces ... it's been a good area for me to work on since coming back.
"I think also understanding how Daryl wants to play this year. It's different.
"We've adapted and evolved the game from the last couple of seasons, so getting an idea from the sidelines a little bit, watching, asking questions, has probably allowed me to understand that style of play rather than going straight back in."
Watching the Waratahs lose successive matches after a first-round win, Foley said he couldn't question the hard work, intent and energy levels of the side.
He expects them to be challenged by a Queensland side who haven't won a game this season, but a team he believes is definitely improving.
"They've got a lot to come out and show and to prove," Foley said.
If Foley starts, Kurtley Beale is expected to shift from five-eighth to inside centre in place of David Horwitz.
Young back Horwitz spent quite a lot of Thursday's session getting tips from former NRL star halfback Brett Kimmorley.
Share
