Anthony Faingaa plans to dig in for the Reds’ revival mission

ANTHONY Faingaa never wants to wear the tag of deserter and plans to dig in for the Reds’ revival mission.

CMSPORTS_Queensland Reds rugby Union players and brothers Anthony & Saia Fain'gaa pictured at the Club's headquarters in Brisbane this morning Thursday May 22, 2014. Pictures: Jack Tran / The Courier Mail

ANTHONY Faingaa never wants to wear the tag of deserter and plans to dig in for the Reds’ revival mission.

Whether Anthony and twin Saia are both part of the regeneration plans of the Reds is one of the most intriguing subplots of next season.

The pair came as a package deal to the Reds in 2009 because the ACT Brumbies wanted one but not both so it is an uncommon bond when it comes to contracting.

Anthony Faingaa attempts to break through the Crusaders’ defence.

“I’m not deserting. I want to stay, stick in there and get the Reds firing again,” centre Anthony said.

Hooker brother Saia, still determined to build on his 29 Test caps, said his contract call is “the biggest decision I’ll ever make”.

One of the twins playing with flanker brother Colby at the Melbourne Rebels is an attraction that never existed in 2009.

If that was a chance, the door now seems closed with hooker Pat Leafa and Reds centre Mike Harris recently signing with the Melbourne outfit.

All the pointers are that the Faingaas will stay at the Reds.

Heading to Japan, Europe or interstate makes little sense when so much of their post-rugby opportunities in business only exist in Queensland where they have built their profile for six seasons.

It is such profile that adds gravitas to the brothers launching the Reds’ Indigenous Round jerseys for Friday night’s clash against the hot Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium.

The jersey features the striking work of indigenous artist Stephen Hogarth.

The mural he has painted at Queensland rugby headquarters also reflects the code’s efforts with the award-nominated Future Indigenous Leaders Program camp.

Saia Faingaa looks likely to stick with his brother at the Reds.

Saia (calf) is unlikely to be fit for Friday night but the Reds’ pack will get a significant lift with the return of James Slipper, Liam Gill and Ed Quirk.

Ben Lucas is certain to be slotted into flyhalf with Quade Cooper injured while flyer Rod Davies should be recalled on the wing.

Personnel changes will make little difference unless there is an overhaul of the ragged attitude that has turned a famed defence into one of the competition’s worst.

“It’s a mindset thing and we’ve taken major steps to sort it out because you are not going to beat anyone leaking 40 points,” Gill said.

Gill’s omission from the Wallabies squad opens the possibility of being reactivated as a sevens player for the Commonwealth Games squad in Glasgow in late July.

“I’d love to be part of that if I’m not part of the Wallabies,” Gill said.

At the Australian Rugby Union’s annual general meeting on Monday, long-time administrator Dick McGruther was made a life member.

Originally published as Anthony Faingaa plans to dig in for the Reds’ revival mission