Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore is treating new Queensland Reds teammate Andrew Ready as his protege rather than his direct rival for Super Rugby minutes.
Moore is one of several big-name recruits joining the Reds in 2017 but coach Nick Stiles faces a selection dilemma as he attempts to fit two top-class hookers into the one side.
Ready is coming off a breakout season after ousting Saia Fainga'a to become Queensland's first-choice rake - but almost as soon as he did, the Reds announced the signing of Moore after eight years with the ACT Brumbies.
Moore, 33, is believed to be eyeing off the 2019 Rugby World Cup and will want to remain a regular starter.
But Ready - who is 10 years his junior - needs as much gametime as possible to continue his stunning rate of development.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"There's been a lot said about that. I haven't really thought about it like that, to be honest," Moore told reporters.
"My goal is to help Andrew to become the best hooker he can be and that's the way I'm viewing it - I want to help him in all the different areas involved with playing hooker at this level.
"He's already done a lot of it. He had a great season this year and I'm sure over the course of the season, every player in the squad will be involved a lot."
Moore is not due to start training with the Queensland Reds until January 9, but was spotted doing some individual fitness work at Ballymore on Thursday.
He said he was pleased to be back home in Brisbane, where he began his professional career back in 2003 with the Reds.
"I went up in the office the first day I came in and saw everyone. There's still some people up there that were here when I finished up last time around," Moore said.
"I'm looking forward to what's ahead here.
"We'll miss Canberra a lot. We really enjoyed it down there, both the rugby side and the town. But it is nice to be back."
