Super Rugby AU: Reds halfback Tate McDermott calls for patience
Queensland half Tate McDermott says the time is right for the Reds to garner statewide support.
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QUEENSLAND halfback Tate McDermott has urged loyal Reds fans to remain patient with a team “learning how to win” and coming to grips with Super Rugby AU’s new format.
The unbeaten Reds top the ladder after two rounds but had to settle for an 18-18 draw against the Melbourne Rebels in Sydney last Friday night.
New innovation “Super Time” was needed to try to find a winner, but by the end of the dour 10-minute extra-time period, neither side had managed to find more points.
Reds fullback Bryce Hegarty had the chance to win it with 50-metre penalty kick for goal but it fell short.
“We had a position there where we could have taken that ‘Super Time’ out and we didn’t,” McDermott said.
“That’s not just on Hegarty, that’s on everyone in this team.
“It was a tough game, the weather wasn’t ideal, but the biggest thing for us is we’ve got to capitalise on those opportunities that we are making.
“There are so many times we put ourselves in a winning position and we were unable to pull the trigger.
“We’re learning how to win.”
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McDermott is fan of the “Super Time” concept and felt it would also eventually win over rugby traditionalists,
“While it didn’t eventuate in a result, I didn’t mind the fact that there is ‘Super Time’,” he said.
“The more we see of it, the more we’ll like it. It was obviously unfortunate circumstances. Everyone was aware.”
McDermott said the Reds were still seeking “redemption” heading into Friday night’s clash against Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.
“For far too long we’ve let our fans down. We’ve still got a bit of redemption to go, but we’re finally giving them something to cheer about, I hope,” he said.
“We owe it to them. It’s been tough in the past, but we’re all in this together, so I can’t wait (for Friday night).”
The 21-year-old Wallabies hopeful said the Reds had a great chance to garner statewide support while rugby league’s Broncos, Titans and Cowboys were battling.
“There are a few struggling (teams) in Queensland at the moment and if we can capitalise on that and really ride that tide of support, it’s going to be massive for our team, (and) massive for our organisation,” he said.
The Force returned to Super Rugby with a 23-14 weekend loss to the Waratahs, but McDermott expected them to improve on Friday night.
“They’ll come to play. It’s awesome to see them back in the competition. I’m a massive fan of them. We’re giving them the respect they deserve,” he said.
“They’ll be up for the game, no doubt about it.”