Reds' Luke Morahan to join Wallaby squad as backup
QR Reds rookie Luke Morahan will join the Wallaby squad for the last stage of the Grand Slam tour of the UK as backline cover following Stirling Mortlock's earlier withdrawal due to injury.
The surprise callup for the 19-year old utility back from the University club in Brisbane in an opportunity for higher level experience rivals the selection of QAS Reds Academy scrumhalf Richard Kingi as a pointer to where Wallaby coach Robbie Deans believes the future lies.
Morahan will be the seventh QR Reds player in the tour squad, alongside Reds' skipper James Horwill, wing Peter Hynes, centre Digby Ioane, scrumhalf Will Genia, inside back Quade Cooper and the uncapped Kingi.
An Australian Sevens representative, Morahan made his debut for the Reds this year but a shoulder reconstruction called an early halt to his season after just 40 minutes off the bench against the Lions on the wing and a starting wing spot against the Blues that ended with a shoulder injury 16 minutes into the match.
Morahan said he'd had a hint that he was a possibility for a callup but the reality of actually getting the call had yet to sink in for him, although not for proud father, Peter.
"I'm still in a bit of shock but my Dad's over the moon. I think he was more excited than I was," Morahan said.
Morahan has signed a two year contract with the Reds for 2010-11 and his Wallaby callup continues the progression he has made along the elite pathway of Queensland Under 16s, National Talent Squad, Queensland Schools, Australia A Schools and the QAS Reds Academy.
Morahan also went to Europe with the Reds end of season development tour in 2008 following a stellar year in club rugby where he was among the top try scorers in Premier Rugby, despite making most of his appearances off the bench after playing earlier for Premier Colts.
His schoolboy brother Simon is already following in his older sibling's footsteps, taking up the Reds Academy spot for 2010 left vacant by his brother's elevation to the Reds.
Morahan will fly out of Brisbane tonight to link with the Wallabies squad in Edinburgh. His arrival will provide the Wallabies with additional injury cover as they prepare to close their tour with three games in a week.
A Test against Scotland at Murrayfield this Saturday night will be followed by a midweek game against Cardiff and the tour finale – a Test against Wales – the following Saturday at Millennium Stadium.
