Western Force back Luke Morahan sees irony in Queensland Reds’ injury crisis
LUKE Morahan left the Reds to get an opportunity. So the Force back can see the irony in facing an injury-hit Queensland side.
FORMER Red Luke Morahan can see the irony in tackling a Queensland backline stripped to the bone by injuries.
It was the Reds’ overwhelming depth in the outside backs last season that pushed him west, where there were greater opportunities at the Western Force.
Now Morahan holds the upper hand before Saturday’s Super Rugby clash at Suncorp Stadium where the Reds will be stretched to cover the absence of Dom Shipperley, Aidan Toua and Chris Feauai-Sautia.
Coming on the back of the departure of Digby Ioane and Jono Lance, the Reds have been pruned to 10 fit backs to tackle the Force but Morahan argues the shortage of flyers will not be terminal.
“I suppose you could see it as irony but over time the Reds have shown they’ve got good depth,’’ he said.
“There’s always young guys and they have a knack for unearthing gems.”
Morahan linked with the Force seeking more opportunities at fullback. While he has been able to nail a regular spot in the run-on side, it has been on the right wing, not in the No.15 jumper occupied by Jayden Hayward.
“I’m pretty happy in either position,’’ he said. “It just works out better for the team at the moment with Jayden at fullback.’’
Morahan will not have the luxury of doing much homework on his likely opponent. With Shipperley (hip flexor) now sidelined, the Reds must hand a Super Rugby debut to untried back Jamie-Jerry Taulagi.
Reds coach Richard Graham resisted the temptation to unleash the dynamic fullback or winger against the Stormers, opting for the experience of Ben Lucas on the bench.
The weakened stocks mean the University dasher will see at least a glimpse of action, and assistant coach Nick Stiles believes he is ready.
“He hasn’t had any game time yet but he came on in the trial against the Rebels and didn’t look out of place,” Stiles said.
“Considering the threats of (Nick) Cummins and speed of Morahan, JJ can counteract that.
“You’ve got to earn that (selection) right.
“You earn that through what you do on the field and how you conduct yourself and JJ, if he does get picked, understands what you have to do in preparation to play Super Rugby.”
Much of the banter before the game has surrounded the Force’s ability to spoil their way to victory against Queensland but the West Australians played some expansive rugby in wins against the Chiefs and Rebels.
Young centre Kyle Godwin is rated a future Wallaby by former Australia captain Nathan Sharpe.