Queensland Reds sign Blair Connor

[TOCC]

SHARP-STEPPING back Blair Connor is to be signed by the Reds and with it comes proof the Super 14 days of veteran Andrew Walker and Henari Veratau are over.

Reds coach Phil Mooney was a fan of Connor's ability as a winger-outside centre even before having his thoughts reinforced by watching the Super 14 curtain-raiser at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Before guiding the Reds warm-up, he took in the detail of Connor's heavy involvement in the 28-12 win over GPS that stretched the unbeaten run of Norths-QUT to six games.

"In club footy Blair is literally a threat every time he touches the ball," Mooney said.

"Just as importantly for his ability to step up from here is the fact he has a fantastic workrate, competes hard at the breakdown and is very strong for his size."

Connor, 19, is not big at 82kg and Mooney said he saw him, initially, as a winger who could cover his preferred outside centre post at provincial level.

Walker is 34 and his try off the bench in last month's win over Western Force was his Super rugby finale. Veratau's season ended with a fractured ankle in February.

Queensland Reds sign Blair Connor | The Courier-Mail

[TOCC]

this kid is all the rave in Brisbane club rugby, he has scored a try or two in almost every game he has played.

He could make a handy replacement centre or winger depending on whether Turinui or Shifcofske leave.