Harry Wilson ready to rip into Super Rugby Pacific season after missing Wallabies selection

Reds forward Harry Wilson believes his omission from the Wallabies squad that toured the UK last year could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Queensland Reds forward Harry Wilson hopes the controversial decision to omit him from the Wallabies’ tour of the United Kingdom pays dividends in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The 22-year-old No.8 was among a host of emerging Wallabies left at home in November last year to prepare for this season’s Super Rugby campaign rather than play Test matches in the UK against Scotland, England and Wales.

Australia lost all three Tests, suggesting Wallabies coach Dave Rennie may have made the wrong call in leaving the likes of Wilson and his fellow Reds teammates Fraser McReight and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at home.

However, ahead of the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, Wilson believes Rennie’s call could be a blessing in disguise.

“My body’s I the best shape it’s ever been, Wilson said.

“I worked on everything I had to work on but that’s just the training. Now I’ve got to do it on the field, and hopefully show some improvement in a few of those areas, and try to perform my best for the team.”

Those areas included power, speed off the mark, agility and footwork.

Harry Wilson is ready for a big Super Rugby Pacific season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“As a footballer you want to keep getting better in all facets of your game,” Wilson said

“I saw it as an opportunity to improve as a footballer, and have a nice time at home to get refreshed and enjoy getting ready for this season. I had two months with all the boys to rip in and try to improve.

“It wasn’t as if I was devastated at getting cut and not go on the Spring Tour ­– I was happy with the decision.

“I won’t know if it paid off until the way I play this year, (but) I feel I’m ready to go for round one and have a big year.”

Wilson was confident of a similarly big season for the Reds, despite successive trial losses to the Western Force and the NSW Waratahs.

“We didn’t get the result in either of them but we took a lot out of them,” he said.

“The best way to prepare for the season is two hard hitouts.”

Wilson said the Waratahs “brought a lot of physicality” in their 21-14 weekend win over Queensland in Roma.

“They put us under a lot of pressure. I was a bit sore after a game like that but I’m fine,” he said.

“When round one is just around the corner, you suddenly seem a lot fresher than you were before.”

Originally published as Harry Wilson ready to rip into Super Rugby Pacific season after missing Wallabies selection