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Reds poised to sign Van Humphries
The Qld Reds have snared a prized catch for next season with a signature pending from former Australia A lock Van Humphries who has just returned from a playing stint in Japan.
The giant 31 year old lock is set to sign a two year deal with the Reds and will bring a wealth of experience to the young Qld pack.
Standing 203 cm and weighing 118kgs, he shapes as a very astute signing by new coach Phil Mooney.
“Van is a young thirty one,” he told me. “He started rugby late and hasn’t been knocked around. He’s looked after himself and is the kind of guy who will be a terrific mentor for someone like James Horwill.”
“He reads the lineout very well and has the experience and skill to make the calls. He is also a very powerful scrummager.”
Moree raised Humphries is the quintessential rugby gypsy having enjoyed stints with the Reds and Waratahs before venturing overseas to play in Italy and Japan.
He is currently reacquainting himself with the local scene and turning out with Souths in Brisbane.
Mooney also revealed that 25 yo Morgan Turinui is very close to signing with the Reds.
“We have a very young backline and Morgan is a perfect fit for us with his experience and rugby intellect. I’m sure we can re-energize his rugby because he still has so much to offer.”
A third signing for the Reds is promising backrower Leroy Houston who was released by the Waratahs last year on personal grounds.
20 year old Houston played for the Australian U19 team in 2005 and is currently playing local rugby league in Sydney for Asquith.
As the former coach of Australia’s world champion U19 side, Mooney is well placed to help Houston finally achieve his undoubted potential.
- by Gordon Bray