Stand-in five-eighth Ben Lucas says Queensland Reds can beat Highlanders without Quade Cooper

BED Lucas is ready to turn his team’s season around, confident that the absence of Quade Cooper will not affect the Reds against the Highlanders.

QUEENSLAND Red Ben Lucas is ready to turn his team’s season around, confident that the absence of Quade Cooper will not affect the team’s performance on Friday against the Highlanders.

“Obviously when you lose a guy like Quade it hurts your team, but we’ve had a very good training week this week, and I’m feeling confident that we can get up and get the job done.” Lucas said.

The bye has been beneficial for the Reds, and the team is now focused on turning the season around and giving back to the fans that have stood by them throughout their difficult results.

Flanker Liam Gill could be back in the selection picture after playing 40 dynamic minutes for club side Sunnybank last weekend.

“We want to go out there, and get back in the winner’s circle, and try and improve the season. There’s definitely a big focus moving forward, to play good footy and turn the season around.” Lucas said.

Stepping into the five-eighth position for the next few rounds does not faze Lucas, who said that he enjoys the challenge of jumping between field positions.

“Naturally, I’ve played it (five eight) my whole life, so any time that I do have to go back to 10, I can usually fit back in pretty well,

“I love playing footy, so anywhere I can do that is good for me. I embrace it and commit to it, and whatever I’m playing, I go out there and give it a good shot.”

Cooper is set to miss the French test series, giving Lucas an extended run in the No. 10 jersey.

Originally published as Stand-in five-eighth Ben Lucas says Queensland Reds can beat Highlanders without Quade Cooper