Fraser McReight not concerned by ‘captain’s curse’ after being chosen to lead Reds

Fraser McReight says he’s fortunate to have the chance to lead Queensland and isn’t worried about injuries which have hit the Reds’ other captains this year.

It is lucky Queensland Reds flanker Fraser McReight isn’t superstitious.

McReight will be the man in the captaincy hot seat on Saturday night when the Reds host Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium.

While the Queenslanders have made a great start to the Super Rugby Pacific season with three successive wins, they’ve had less success with keeping their leaders on the field.

The team’s official co-captains, Liam Wright (shoulder) and Tate McDermott (ankle), are both on the sidelines after suffering injuries in rounds one and two respectively.

The “captain’s curse” struck again last week in Perth when lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who had been named Reds skipper for the match against Western Force, lasted just five minutes before leaving the field with an ankle injury.

Throw in a knee injury suffered by forward Angus Scott-Young after he took over the captaincy from McDermott during Queensland’s second-round win over the Waratahs, and the leadership role has been somewhat of a poisoned chalice in the Reds squad this season.

“I’ve heard it from a lot of people about the captain’s curse – you can’t really think about it too much,” McReight said.

“Rugby is a bit of a fickle game. Anything can happen out on the field.

“I’m not too superstitious. I’m not really worried about that whatsoever.”

Fraser McReight will lead the Reds against Fijian Drua. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

McReight, 23, felt fortunate to be named captain.

“I was lucky enough to get the tap on the shoulder – I’m pretty pumped.” he said.

Reds coach Brad Thorn predicted McReight to set an example with his actions.

“You can be quite a quiet person and I still see you as a leader at this club,” Thorn said.

“The number one thing we’re about here is actions. Actions speak and then words have meaning and are respected.

“He (McReight) has shown leadership at NRC and (under) 20 (levels), so here’s a little opportunity for him.

“He’s a valued member of the group and he’s been playing some good footy.”

Thorn also defended his decision to shift the in-form Jock Campbell from fullback to the wing to give Wallabies winger Jordan Petaia a chance in the custodian’s role.

“That’s a position he (Petaia) would like to play and here’s an opportunity for him,” Thorn said.

“(It’s) one game. Jock’s been outstanding. He’s always been rated here.”

Reds: Hoopert, Nasser, Tupou, Smith, Blyth, Uru, McReight, Wilson, Thomas, O’Connor, Flook, Stewart, Paisami, Campbell, Petaia. Reserves: Faessler, Fotuaika, Nonggorr, Vest, Tualima, Jeans, Creighton, Grealy.

Fijian Drua: Uluilakepa, Dolokoto, Tawake, Nasilasila, Rotuisolia, Derenalagi, Miramira, Cirikidaveta, Matawalu, Tela, Habosi, Ravouvou, Vota, Ravutaumada, Kerr. Reserves: Togiatama, Koroiduadua, Saulo, Tuifagalele, Tamani, Lomani, Mataiciwa, Ratave.