Richard Graham says managing load will be important for Reds players in 2015 Super Rugby season

COACH Richard Graham has forecast it is unlikely any Queensland Reds player will start in all 16 games next season.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 18: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Coach Richard Graham and Karmichael Hunt talk during a Queensland Reds training session at Ballymore Stadium on September 18, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

COACH Richard Graham has forecast it is unlikely any Queensland Reds player will start in all 16 games next season.

It is the spin-off from Super Rugby running as a 16-game sprint without a three-week break because there is no June Test window in World Cup year.

Graham stopped short of saying there would be a rotation policy but every team runs one informally to get the best from a squad over a draining season.

“How we manage the load for players next year will be a key part of planning as it will be for every team,” Graham said.

“The Wallabies don’t get home from their European tour until early December so they will come into 2015 with a short pre-season anyway.

“You can manage load through the week in training or in games. It will be important.

“We are lucky with our byes (rounds six and 12) being well positioned.”

Jake Schatz started all 16 games for the Reds in 2014.

No. 8 Jake Schatz was the ironman of the Reds this season, starting in all 16 games and missing just 28 of the 1280 minutes played.

Playing four of their first six games at home next season gives the Reds a great shot at a fast start because it is a direct flip on four away games in that stretch this year.

Playing the Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium (April 26) on the Anzac Day long weekend is a feature of the draw.

REDS SUPER RUGBY DRAW 2015

Feb 13: v Brumbies (A)

Feb 21: v Force (H)

Feb 27: v Highlanders (A)

Mar 7: v Waratahs (H)

Mar 14: v Brumbies (H)

Round 6: Bye

Mar 27: v Lions (H)

Apr 3: v Rebels (A)

Apr 11: v Bulls (A)

Apr 18: v Cheetahs (A)

Apr 26: v Hurricanes (H)

Round 12: Bye

May 8: v Crusaders (A)

May 15: v Rebels (H)

May 22: v Sharks (H)

May 30: v Force (A)

Jun 6: v Chiefs (H)

Jun 13: v Waratahs (A)

Originally published as Richard Graham says managing load will be important for Reds players in 2015 Super Rugby season