Fulltime contract for QR Reds half Ben Lucas

New signing Ben Lucas (Sportography)Monday, 17 March 2008
One of Queensland Rugby’s most exciting young backs, Ben Lucas, has been signed to a fulltime two year contract with the QR Reds, for 2009-10.

Lucas, who can play at scrumhalf or flyhalf, is currently on a Reds Academy contract but has already been blooded at Super 14 level, earning a spot in the Reds squad of 26 that left today for South Africa.

Lucas, 21, has an impressive rugby resume having represented his state and country at schoolboy level and in the Australian Sevens team in 2007.

A gifted playmaker and goal kicker who claimed a personal tally of 35 points, including two tries, in Sunnybank's record 85-19 win over the Gold Coast in the 2007 Trinity Premier Rugby Grand Final, Lucas went on to excel for the MFS East Coast Aces in the Mazda Australian Rugby Championship, being named that team’s player of the tournament.

QRU Performance Rugby Manager Ben Whitaker said Lucas had come to the Reds Academy as a specialist and very talented flyhalf, but adapted to playing scrumhalf without missing a beat.

“Ben was issued a challenge at the beginning of the season to learn playing at halfback and his commitment to adapting to this key position and his desire to compete and play footy has ensured some excellent results,” Whitaker said.

“Ben has displayed impressive belief in his own abilities and has fronted for every challenge so far, priding himself on doing extras to improve his skills and game understanding.

“Ben now presents us with an outstanding option to cover two of the most important positions in the team – halfback and flyhalf.”

Whitaker said the Reds’ coaching staff had been impressed by Lucas’ single-minded desire to play for his state, wherever the opportunity presented itself.

“Ben has a genuine desire to play at the highest level and play for Queensland – no matter the circumstances,” Whitaker said.

Queensland Reds | Fulltime contract for QR Reds half Ben Lucas

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUkH7jhqwdY[/YOUTUBE]
you can see him in video, it was the Premier grade GF, you will also notice Digby Ioane out on the wing.