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Reds stars return for Super Rugby trial

Queensland's Wallabies contingent will run out for the Reds against the Chiefs at Ballymore.

Samu Kerevi.

Samu Kerevi will be among a quartet of Wallabies to play for the Queensland Reds against the Chiefs. (AAP)

Returning Queensland attack coach Jim McKay has promised bums-on-seats rugby from the Reds after encouraging his backs to play "with swagger" this Super Rugby season.

The Reds will field a full strength squad for their final trial at Ballymore against the Chiefs on Friday.

McKay was an assistant during the Reds' title-winning 2011 season, when they scored a record 45 tries in 16 regular season games.

He went on to serve in the same role for the Wallabies and has since returned to Ballymore after a stint in charge of Japanese Top League outfit Kobe.

Now serving under Brad Thorn, McKay said to expect the same kind of rugby that captured the country's attention eight years ago.

"The backs have to have a wee bit of swagger to them," he said.

"They're all different and whatever you're good at, do that because that's what got you here.

"We give them a framework and within that do your stuff."

Wallabies quartet Samu Kerevi, Taniela Tupou, Sefa Naivalu and Jordan Petaia will all play after resting from last week's trial loss to the Rebels, with the Reds given a first-round bye to open the season next weekend.

"They've got to play with us, get some combinations and synergy with the other guys," he said.

Scoring tries was an issue for the young Reds early last season, but McKay is confident they've jumped that hurdle now.

"They had a lot of stuff going on, on and off the field last year," McKay said.

"(Former assistant) Paul Carozza and the other coaches did a good job getting a base down,

"We're just building on that."

Reds: Feao Fotuaika, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Harry Hockings, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Scott Higginbotham, Moses Sorovi, Hamish Stewart, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Cris Feauai-Sautia, Sefa Naivalu, Bryce Hegarty, Alex Mafi, Harry Hoopert, Ruan Smith, Angus Blyth, Caleb Timu, Tate McDermott, Duncan Paia'aua, Isaac Lucas, Adam Korczyk, Teti Tela, Jack Hardy, Filipo Daugunu.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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