1
Brisbane wants speedy start against ‘deadly’ Force
October 2, 2019
Brisbane City captain Fraser McReight is readying his team for a big opening show when the Queenslanders land at UWA Sports Park on Sunday.
After a slow start in their Round 5 derby loss to Queensland Country, McReight understands his side cannot afford to hesitate against a Force side coming off their first defeat of the season.
“We are not really worried about the Force even though we know they are deadly, it is more about getting our game right from last weekend,” McReight said.
“I don’t think you can really go into a match against the number one side focusing on them after you give yourself a 28-point deficit against Queensland Country. We don’t want to start so slow. The first half an hour of a game is when we have to be really switched on.”
Whilst Brisbane City remain in the finals hunt, sitting fourth on the ladder, their captain is clear only an all-round performance will bring a victory and help secure their standing on the table.
“We know we can score points, so that is not an issue for us, it is about starting well and making sure our defence is on point for the whole game. We have a good attacking side, so I do think our strength lies in our attack and our scramble defence,” McReight said.
With equal wins and losses in this year’s competition, the 21-year-old concedes playing the Force is a daunting proposition, especially given the Queenslanders have not beaten the West Australians since 2015.
“The Force are top of the table for a reason so I think everyone is really excited to dig in and fight for each other,” McReight added.
“Each week is different because you play different teams, but it is more about going back to our fundamentals and what worked for us as a team and how we can better those elements that worked for us.
“It is more about getting our game right from last weekend. I think all the focus has to be on us which is what we need. I am sure it will be a great contest between the two sides on Sunday.”
Currently the youngest captain in the NRC, McReight’s rugby career has skyrocketed in 2019, debuting for the Queensland Reds and captaining the Junior Wallabies to the final of the Under-20 Championships.
“The whole year has been pretty awesome. The best thing about captaining this NRC team is that everyone has a different rugby story, it’s not just people my own age,” McReight said
“You can’t captain a side on your own, you need other leaders in the team to keep driving standards and it’s an immense help to have some of the older heads there to help me.”
One player McReight will be hoping puts in another mesmerizing performance is Reds teammate and former Junior Wallabies star Isaac Lucas.
“We think he has really taken control at ten and really has run the show and given us great direction around the park,” McReight said.
Past Meetings
2014 (Final) Brisbane City 37-26 Perth Spirit. Ballymore, Brisbane
2018 Brisbane City 29-47 Western Force. Norths Rugby Club, Brisbane
2017 Perth Spirit 62-28 Brisbane City. UWA Sports Park, Perth
2016 Perth Spirit 60-22 Brisbane City. UWA Sports Park, Perth
2015 Brisbane City 29-16 Perth Spirit. Ballymore, Brisbane 2014 Perth Spirit 21-26 Brisbane City. UWA Sports Park, Perth
https://www.westernforce.com.au/bris...-deadly-force/