Fraser McReight impressed by "special" Wallabies youngster

Stephen Larkham’s side have opened the campaign in strong form, combining their trademark forward power with clinical execution in key moments. The win over the Blues reinforced their credentials as early contenders, but the Brumbies will be without one of their most influential players this weekend. Star back-rower Rob Valetini has been rested as part of Wallabies management protocols, forcing a reshuffle in the forward pack.

The Reds arrive in Canberra aware of the challenge awaiting them against one of the competition’s most consistent teams. Openside flanker Fraser McReight, who made his Super Rugby debut against the Brumbies in 2018, knows better than most what it takes to compete with the Canberra side on their home turf.

Now a key figure for both Queensland and the Wallabies, McReight has grown into one of Australia’s premier back-rowers since breaking into the Reds lineup in 2019. His form earned him an international debut during the 2020 Tri Nations, and he has since become a regular presence in the national setup, including appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Despite the Reds’ growing confidence this season, McReight believes the Brumbies remain one of the toughest opponents in the competition.

"They're playing some really good football at the moment, they've knocked over some really good teams, look at the Blues at that Christchurch game, it was phenomenal. Looking forward to the battle down there."

For Queensland, the focus will be on imposing their own style rather than becoming caught up in the Brumbies’ structured approach.

"They play their way of rugby, the Brumbies way and they've been outstanding for the past 10 plus years and for us, it's about going out there and trying to play how we want to play and I thought we laid a good platform going from the Tahs to the Highlanders game, so I think everyone's on the same page."

Canberra has historically been a difficult venue for visiting teams, and McReight admits victories there have been rare for the Reds in recent years.

"My last win was 2021, so a while ago and that was at the death. You know how well they play down there, especially in front of a home crowd and everyone rises to the occasion down there, so looking forward to it."

While the contest between two strong forward packs will be central to the result, McReight is also excited by the potential debut of teenage prospect Treyvon Pritchard, who has been named on the Reds bench by coach Les Kiss.

After impressing throughout the pre-season, the 18-year-old could earn his first Super Rugby minutes—and possibly line up against his brother Kadin.

“He (Pritchard) is special. He’s 18 and doing things that I haven’t seen done before and you can see it when you have a player that young who's that skillful and everyone can see what he’s about,” McReight said.