Queensland Reds prop Alex Hodgman to ‘make the most’ of starting chance

New Queensland Reds prop Alex Hodgman can’t wait to lock horns with the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

Former Blues prop Alex Hodgman has made the switch to the Queensland Reds. Picture: AAP Image/Rohan Thomson

Reds’ Kiwi import Alex Hodgman can “feel the passion” of Queensland’s rivalry with New South Wales ahead of Saturday night’s interstate clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Former All Blacks prop Hodgman will make his competitive debut for Reds in this weekend’s opening round of the Super Rugby Pacific season after joining Queensland from the Auckland-based Blues.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” 30-year-old Hodgman said when asked if was expecting selection in the starting team.

“There’s so much competition among us front rowers, and I was quite shocked, but I’ll take anything and I’ll make the most of it.”

Hodgman could not have asked for a more intense battle to make his official start to his Reds career than a game against the Waratahs.

“I can feel the passion in the change-room,” he said.

“It’s ramping up nicely, and for us it’s the tale as old as time, the Queensland-New South Wales rivalry.

“It’s almost comparable to a Blues-Crusaders (rivalry). I can feel the emotion, I can feel the passion.”

Former All Black Alex Hodgman (right) will make his competitive debut for Queensland this weekend. Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

Hodgman backed the selection of Tom Lynagh, despite the 20-year-old flyhalf’s pre-season having been hampered by back complaint.

“He’s proved it out on the training field. He drives us wild, he yells at us forwards, so I guess that’s a good side when the (fly-half) is yelling at you and directing you,” he said of the son of Reds and Wallabies great Michael Lynagh.

“I’m getting that exact response from him, so for me it’s how can I work around him and how he chooses to play the game, and how can I pick off the opportunities that he’s looking (to create) for us.”

Reds coach Les Kiss said the competition for spots was “fantastic”.as he explained his reasoning for a host of selections, including the choice of Wallabies excitement-machine Jordan Petaia at fullback ahead of Jock Campbell, who was named on the bench.

“It was a tough one, and (outside centre) Josh Flook has to come into the equation as well.” Kiss said.

“He’s been playing really solidly at 13 so we’ve gone with that combination for this weekend. I’m happy with it.”

Originally published as Queensland Reds prop Alex Hodgman to ‘make the most’ of starting chance