Will Queensland offer wayward Wallaby James O’Connor a shot at redemption?

JAMES O’Connor is looming as a surprise backline fix for the spluttering Reds next season with his English club saying he has grown up.

James O'Connor could be wearing a different sort of red shirt if Queensland come calling.

SACKED Wallaby James O’Connor is looming larger as a surprise backline fix for the spluttering Reds next season with his English club saying he has grown up.

O’Connor has let down a string of teams before after that same proclamation.

It’s hardly a “sign-me-quick” gold pass but it does open the door if Reds coach Richard Graham and recruitment partner Sam Cordingley believe it and need his skills as a fullback-inside centre-winger.

O’Connor kept his word by finishing his English premiership season for London Irish without flaring any disruptive debate on where he might play next year after a stint with French club Toulon.

He banged over three kicks and threw the final pass for a try in a winning London Irish farewell last weekend.

Significantly, the phone lines are at least open at Ballymore as his final hope to play Super Rugby next year because the Rebels, Brumbies and Waratahs are not interested and the Force have cooled.

James O'Connor kicks a penalty during his last match for London Irish before joining Toulon.

“In this brutal competition you better make sure you make the right choices when you go after players,” Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael said.

“No one has the luxury of getting it wrong on the field or off it.

“With every footballer we start with an open mind and it’s no different with James O’Connor.

“All of them have to come with non-negotiables in terms of fitting into the culture we drive and adapting to our environment separate to their ability on the field.”

He said any recommendation on O’Connor would come from Graham, who moved on O’Connor when they were at the Western Force in 2011.

London Irish coach Brian Smith, the former Wallaby, told The Telegraph in London of a more mature talent who “hasn’t put a foot out of line” since he joined the club.

“Now he needs to find an Aussie province and work his way back into the team. He’s only 23 and he has the potential to go on and get another 100 Tests for Australia,” Smith said.

Sources have clarified that O’Connor does have a get-out clause in his Toulon contract to return to Australia on January 1 if a Super Rugby club wants him.

O'Connor might have a get-out clause in his Toulon deal if an Australian Super Rugby team wants him.

Carmichael said the Reds’ five-loss spiral had not forced a harried overhaul of the club’s retention and recruitment plan as they prepare for Saturday night against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium.

“We genuinely believe we have the nucleus of a championship-winning team but you are exposed if you have gaps. We are working on remedying the deficiencies,” Carmichael said.

“We’ve got some credits that we’ve built over a long period with our fans which is a testament to the work of the players on and off the field.”

Carmichael offered unshakable backing for Graham, as coach, and a team with shaken confidence.

“I’ve spoken to probably 20 players over the past month in different circumstances. I see hurt at the results and I see dedication to turn things around with Richard as a united front,” Carmichael said.

“You can take that to the bank.”