Queensland Reds to play Super Rugby trial in drought-stricken Dalby

Having seen first-hand the effects of drought on his family farm, Queensland prop Harry Hoopert couldn’t be more proud of the Reds taking their Super Rugby trial against the Waratahs to the bush.

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A 50ml sprinkle in recent days has barely moistened the soil at drought-stricken Jondaryan on the family farm where Queensland Reds prop Harry Hoopert grew up.

There’s certainly not yet enough moisture in the soil to plant a sorghum, corn, wheat or mung bean crop.

In truth, a washout of Friday night’s Reds-NSW Waratahs trial in nearby Dalby would be best for the parched region and put the biggest smiles on the faces of Darling Downs farmers.

In lieu of that, Hoopert is delighted the Reds are taking their major Super Rugby trial to the bush to build on the excellent Reds-to-Regions initiative where players visited country communities across the state last November.

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Reds prop Harry Hoopert on the family grain farm at Jondaryan. Picture: Brendan Hertel, QRU

“There hasn’t been enough moisture in the soil to plant a crop for more than a year back at the farm,” Hoopert said.

“Mum and dad tell me everyone around town has been talking about the rugby so I’m expecting a heavy crowd on Friday night.

“I know all the farmers around there are going through hard times and this is something to take their minds of that by enjoying some footy.”

The Reds planted too few seeds of hope themselves between 2014-17 so this final trial will hopefully be a pointer to a big season.

Hoopert said seeing drought conditions and the resilience of Queensland farmers first hand was a jolt for Reds players unaccustomed to that reality.

“For the city slickers in our squad, it was a real eye-opener to what drought really looks like and the toll financially and emotionally,” Hoopert said.

“When we all came back from that trip to the regions, we put up a slide show and talked through what we’d experienced.

“(Coach) Brad Thorn said to think about those resilient farmers pushing through to the other side when we hit the 78th minute of a tough game.

“I think we all learnt something about resilience.”

Hoopert with junior players from his grassroots rugby club, the Dalby Wheatmen. Picture: Brendan Hertel, QRU

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Hoopert will make his comeback from a bulging disc in the neck against the Waratahs.

He’s added 6kg since last year and is feeling the positives of a 114kg frame.

“I feel the help it gives me at scrum-time, in defence and when I’m running with the ball,” Hoopert said.

Thorn is always blunt when pushing improvements and he was with Hoopert: “Thorny told me to get a bit more angry in my defence and work on my scrummaging.”

Wallabies James O’Connor and Jordan Petaia are set to team up in the centres on Friday night while former Brumby Henry Speight is likely to play after a minor knee clean-up.