Sunwolves lock Mike Stolberg returns home to conquer Queensland Reds

“Up until three months ago I was the biggest fan of the Reds.” Now the Sunwolves star will play to crush his childhood team’s finals dream.

FUKUOKA, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 01: Michael Stolberg of the Sunwolves wins a line out during the Super Rugby match between Sunwolves and Rebels at Level Five Stadium on February 1, 2020 in Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Three months ago Michael Stolberg was one of the Queensland Reds’ biggest fans but tonight the 27-year-old will take the field against his childhood team for the first time.

The Easts Tigers lock is one of five Queenslanders in a Sunwolves outfit drawing on barbarian roots like never before.

A team of cast-offs, from across the Super Rugby and Japanese corporate competitions, have united into a Super Rugby force that threatens to bury the Reds’ finals ambitions just one month into the 2020 season.

Sunnybank Dragons Vs Easts at Sunnybank Rugby Union Club at Sunnybank, Oldmac Oval. Sunnybank player Taniela Tuiranuavou with possession being tackled by Easts player Michael Stolberg.

Stolberg and skipper Jake Schatz were one season apart in Churchie’s First XV while former GPS lock Corey Thomas, Wests hooker Efi Ma’afu and Gold Coaster Ben Te’o make up the remainder of a Queensland nucleus primed to fire on their homecoming stage.

Stolberg, a former Reds Academy prospect, said playing on Suncorp Stadium’s hallowed turf would bring out the best in the exiled Queenslanders.

“It absolutely raises the stakes,” he said.

“Any chance you get to play in front of family and friends is a massive opportunity but to do it in your home stage is a big one.

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“I think all of us have had a connection to the Reds at some stage along the line.

“Up until three months ago I was the biggest fan of the Reds.

“I’m slightly nervous but the boys are really, really excited for the challenge.”

The Sunwolves don’t need any extra motivation as their time in Super Rugby draws to a close at season’s end, turning every fixture into an audition for their next contract.

FUKUOKA, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 01: Michael Stolberg of the Sunwolves wins a line out during the Super Rugby match between Sunwolves and Rebels at Level Five Stadium on February 1, 2020 in Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

As a 27-year-old rookie Stolberg has made his case as one of Super Rugby’s most dynamic tight forwards, appearing near the top of the run metres, linebreaks, offloads, lineout steals, and defenders beaten columns despite playing one fewer game than the rest of the competition.

He credits time spent refining his game away from the spotlight of Super Rugby for his evolution as a player.

“It’s been a real process of maturing over the years,” Stolberg said.

“I’ve come into the Super Rugby arena with a bit of experience under my belt and I’ve been lucky enough to get this opportunity as a mature rugby player.

“I’ve been able to refine my game and now I know my game really well.”