Will Genia determined to right Reds’ course in 2015 before post-World Cup move a year later
WILL Genia will devote the next 15 months to restoring the Reds’ status before an overseas adventure becomes too magnetic to resist for 2016.
WILL Genia will devote the next 15 months to restoring the Reds’ status before an overseas adventure becomes too magnetic to resist for 2016.
The game-breaking halfback’s heart will be forever Red yet it’s increasingly likely his bullet pass and elusive feet will star in Europe or Japan after next year’s World Cup.
Not for an instant do his daydreams for 2016 dilute Friday night’s 100th game at Suncorp Stadium when he celebrates “my proudest achievement in rugby so far.”
That he faces All Blacks livewire Aaron Smith in a Highlanders jersey is the perfect occasion because Genia revels in the combat of two world class halfbacks going at it.
Fans could happily watch their favourite in the Reds No.9 jersey until 2026 but “forever” is not a term for today’s footy fast lane.
“I love this club. I just hate losing and it hurts even more when it’s for something you really care about,” Genia said of snapping a six-game losing streak.
“I want to see this club successful so everything we do, here and now, by winning again and building culture contributes to continued success into the future.”
Genia will be 27 at the end of the World Cup in England next year and with around 200 top level games in his legs from nine intense seasons.
“I’ll be an old 27 if I’m lucky enough to play at the next World Cup because of the amount of footy,” Genia said.
“I’ll have ticked a few boxes in terms of doing quite a bit with rugby in Australia.
“I’m married and looking to hopefully start a family so it would be interesting and exciting to plan a new adventure, perhaps overseas.
“They are just distant thoughts at the moment.”
The dream scenario for Genia would be an Australian Rugby Union clearance for a one-season sabbatical abroad and returning to the Reds.
The halfback he looks up to more than any other is contracted in Japan yet will return home next month as a dynamo for the Springboks.
“Fourie du Preez is the perfect example. To mentally and physically refresh yourself by experiencing somewhere else in rugby is appealing,” Genia said.
Smith is a menace with the long pass that unlocks line-busting centre Malakai Fekitoa, his sniping runs, his disruptive defence around rucks and his energy.
“Smith characterises the Highlanders with his speed and urgency,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.
Genia agreed that Smith breaks the mould as far as top Kiwi halfbacks go and rated him the in-form halfback of Super Rugby.
“Byron Kelleher and Justin Marshall were bigger, 9th forward types as halfbacks whereas Smith breaks the shackles a bit as a nippy little bloke who has a quick pass,” Genia said.
There are similarities to their styles that mean the 55-Test Genia even picks up an idea or two.
“Smith is a player I enjoy watching a bit and try to learn a little off as well,” Genia said.