Super Rugby: Isaac Lucas making huge gains at halfback after solid NRC grounding

Young flyhalf Isaac Lucas’s game management development is really paying off and it may surprise some that it’s all down to a season as playmaker in the National Rugby Championship.

Isaac Lucas takes on the Waratahs defence in a Super Rugby trial in Dalby. Pictures QRU Media

There’s no way Isaac Lucas would be ready to step up as a Super Rugby flyhalf against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night with only two brief hours of trial time.

That’s why Reds coach Brad Thorn is such a fan of what the often-maligned National Rugby Championship can mean to a player’s development when used the right way.

Lucas was given a full season in the playmaker role at Brisbane City during the NRC late last year.

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The extra confidence it has given Lucas at No. 10 has been obvious in the recent trial wins over the Melbourne Rebels (57-5) and NSW Waratahs (28-19).

Lucas, 20, is still running and darting but that NRC stint nurtured a balanced game by honing kicking and a strong controlling voice for his teams.

Isaac Lucas takes on the Waratahs’ defence in a Super Rugby trial game in Dalby. Picture: QRU Media

It was on display in Dalby on Friday night when centre James O’Connor set up quick ruck ball and Lucas calmly banged a 35m kick to pin the Waratahs in their quarter.

O’Connor stepped in as first receiver quite a few times and that shrewd sharing of the workload will continue.

“The kid (Lucas) has talent and I love that the NRC allows you to give a guy nine or so games at No. 10 at a mid-range level to enjoy and learn that role,” Thorn said.

“I think he’s also enjoying having James outside him and I think we’re seeing some good threats and creativity in the backline.”

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