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Young Reds get their chance
January 17, 2008 - 10:48am
Story by: Sportal
Queensland coach Phil Mooney has gifted a number of young guns the chance to impress when the Reds' take on the Waratahs in Sydney on Australia Day.
Mooney has decided to rest his World Cup Wallabies for his side's first trial of the campaign with the exception of veteran halfback Sam Cordingley who will travel to Campbelltown Stadium for the January 26 clash.
Reds Academy player Ben Lucas has also been drafted into the squad at scrumhalf following a hand injury to Will Genia, while Academy prop and former Sydney player Dayna Edwards returns home in enemy colours.
Mooney said the match will be a good test for the talented Lucas, who will go head-to-head with former Wallabies Brett Sheehan and Josh Valentine during the encounter.
"It's a great opportunity for Ben and the other guys to see where they sit in terms of their development, being up against some experienced opponents," Mooney said.
Up front promising rookies Josh Afu and giant lock Rob Simmons, are also both expected to see action for the first time in 2008.
Skipper John Roe will add experience to the 24-man squad as will 2007 Test newcomer James Horwill and veteran duo Lloyd Johansson and Andrew Walker.
Queensland Reds squad:
Forwards:
Geoff Abram, Josh Afu (QR Reds rookie), Ole Avei, Ben Coutts, Ben Daley, Dayna Edwards (Reds Academy), AJ Gilbert, James Horwill, Leroy Houston, Herman Hunt, Ed O’Donoghue, John Roe (captain), Rob Simmons (QR Reds rookie).
Backs:
Caleb Brown, Quade Cooper, Sam Cordingley, Charlie Fetoai, Peter Hynes, Lloyd Johansson, Ben Lucas (Reds Academy), Chris Siale, Brando Va'aulu, Henari Veratau, Andrew Walker