Mike Harris to be given custodian role in Reds’ reshuffle for ‘last-stand game’ against Blues

MIKE Harris seems certain to be switched to fullback in Auckland as a bold punt to find a way out of the Reds’ three-game losing streak.

Mike Harris is held by Hurricanes defender as Beauden Barrett looms up to finish off the tackle.

UTILITY back Mike Harris seems certain to be switched to fullback in Auckland as a bold punt to find a way out of the three-game losing streak that is devouring the Reds season.

His selection at No.15, instead of Ben Lucas, against the Blues for Friday night's last stand would also inject more direct running and abrasive defence by enabling the call-up of Anthony Faingaa at inside centre.

Much of the Reds attack was built around having the dynamic Aidan Toua inject his swerving speed into the line from fullback, but that X-factor has been sadly missing for the past four games because of his long-term pectoral muscle injury.

News_Image_File: Anthony Faingaa’s textbook defence is required by the Reds after their leaky performance on Saturday.

With second-choice fullback Lachie Turner (ankle) also sidelined, utility Lucas has been offering his busy hustle and fight but he just doesn't have the frame, at a light 84kg, to punch through defences as a runner.

Faingaa’s return as a defensive leader would make sense because something has to be done to fix the leaky second half defence in Wellington last Saturday night, with the Blues backs being just as dangerous when given room and chances off spilt ball.

Flanker Liam Gill on Monday slotted into training at showery Orakei, by Auckland Harbour, and the immediate recall of the Reds' best forward after five games out with a hamstring injury is assured.

The unexpected sight was how involved halfback Will Genia was, kicking and trotting, less than 48 hours after being on crutches from a twisted right ankle against the Hurricanes.

News_Image_File: Will Genia looks to gather a loose ball while under pressure from Hurricanes winger Julian Savea.

“You’re not sending me home,” Genia had confided to one Reds staffer.

The little fighter went to bed with the ankle wrapped in a cold therapy compression bandage to hasten recovery.

He will play.

“We didn’t even bother with a scan. I jammed something in the ankle but I could hop on it, which meant it wasn’t the bad one, a syndesmosis (high-ankle sprain), that could have cost me games,” Genia said.

Gill is adamant his hamstring is ready for the stresses of a full-on game where a flanker may run six kilometres in 80 minutes.

News_Rich_Media: The Queensland Reds have gone down 35-21 to the Hurricanes with Cory Jane scoring a hat-trick.

“I’m not quick enough to do a hammy running. It’s coping with the twists and stretches when you get hit by clean-outs when you are straddling the ball,” Gill said.

“Watching has been hard. Watching teammates lose has been even tougher, so I can’t wait to get stuck in with them.

“No matter which way you break it down this is our last-stand game.

“Almost every game we've been in striking distance in the last 10 minutes. We’ve sat down and talked about getting into those feelings again as that team that always believes we can win at the back end of games, stay composed and grind it out if need be.”