Will Genia a proven performer in big moments, something he hopes to continue in game 100
A LUST for the big stage and wanting the ball in the big moments has been Will Genia’s calling card, a trait he hopes to continue against Aaron Smith.
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ONE glimpse into Will Genia’s soul as a footballer will stand out from his eight-season highlights reel when the halfback supreme hits his 100th Reds game on Friday night.
It was the little smile of bring-it-on confidence in the tunnel just before he ran on for the biggest game of his career...the 2011 Super Rugby final.
His lust for the big stage and wanting the ball in his hands for the big moments has been his calling card and that insight caught by the Fox Sports TV cameras said it all.
English batsman Jonathan Trott reversed from the furnace of battle last summer. Genia can’t wait for it.
It will be the same in Friday night’s desperate Suncorp Stadium duel against the Highlanders when smothering All Blacks half Aaron Smith will play a big part in any win.
In that same final at Suncorp Stadium, it was Genia who got his hands on the ball for the sizzling solo run over 65m that decided the game and the Reds place in history.
“You have week in, week out players. Only a very few step up for the really big moments like Willy,” injured halves partner Quade Cooper said.
Once erratic off the field, Cooper gave Genia an even bigger accolade when saying Genia had rubbed off on him as a role model to “help make me a better person.”
We asked Genia a few rapid-fire questions to find out a little more about the maestro who trumps Des Connor and Peter Slattery as Queensland’s finest-ever halfback.
Most respected opponent: “Victor Matfield...such presence and aura.”
Least inspiring Super Rugby stop: “Christchurch...too cold, nothing there.”
Best room-mate: “Radike Samo...he was my rugby Dad.”
Something we don’t know about you: “Some people perceive me as not fun. I have a dry sense of humour.”
That dry sense of humour surprises sometimes like in 2012 when NSW critics questioned whether second-season syndrome would swamp the Reds after winning the title.
“Better than being no-year wonders,” Genia sniped brilliantly.
Genia has never been an all-night party boy. Wife Vanessa has always been his compass and her part in keeping Genia a Red when the Western Force wooed him in 2012 should never be underrated.
“The one moment that changed my mind was talking to Ness when she said I was over-justifying the move to Force, talking way too much about it,” Genia said.
“Relief, happiness, no reservations...I knew I’d made the right call when I re-signed.
“Not having the opportunity to sing the Reds team song the next year had been a scary thought.’’
Not singing the team song after a win since March 29 is even scarier. Genia deserves the song on Friday night.
Originally published as Will Genia a proven performer in big moments, something he hopes to continue in game 100
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