Queensland Reds co-captain Tate McDermott calls for less errors and fewer penalties

The Queensland Reds are making a fresh start under new coach Les Kiss, but little will change unless they fix their discipline.

Queensland co-captain Tate McDermott says the Reds can forget about contending for the Super Rugby Pacific title this season unless they rectify problems with errors and discipline that have plagued them in recent years.

McDermott is excited about the Reds’ prospects under new coach Les Kiss, but knows that nothing will change unless Queensland becomes a much cleaner team that makes less mistakes and gives away fewer penalties.

“Given the refereeing trends at the moment, again it’s going to be two crucial cogs in the wheel for us,” the Reds and Wallabies halfback said ahead of Queensland’s opening match of the season against NSW at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

“Particularly on the discipline front, we’ve had a big focus at training around the offsides because we weren’t good enough.

“If we’re deadset (serious) about making inroads in this competition, then we’ve got to be a hell of a lot better with our discipline.”

Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon (left) and Reds co-captain Tate McDermott will go head-to-head on Saturday night. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images for Rugby Australia

McDermott has been happy with the Reds pre-season, saying Kiss’ style of leadership had led to an extremely thorough preparation for the season proper.

“I’ve never really seen a coaching staff designed where they’re all leaning into each others areas,” McDermott said.

“With these guys it’s almost like they’re all head coaches, and you’ve got Les at the top.

“There’s a really clear direction about how we want to play this year, and what team we want to be.

“It’s awesome to see how Les operates. I’ve really enjoyed working with him.”

The Reds’ pre-season campaign included a 32-7 win over the Waratahs in Roma two weeks ago.

And while pleased with his side’s win, McDermott said it would count for little on Saturday night.

“We can take a bit of confidence, particularly with how the forwards played in and around the maul, and around our scramble and our defence and attack as well, but we’ve got to be realistic – it was just a trial,” he said.

McDermott was looking forward to partnering 20-year-old Tom Lynagh in the halves.

“He’s an exciting player. He’s got a really good kicking game on him, and is really composed for a young fellow as well,” McDermott said.

Lynagh won the hotly contest battle for the flyhalf spot ahead of Junior Wallaby Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

“It’s an exciting time for young No.10s in Queensland,” McDermott said.

“They’re both at the start of their careers but they’ve taken really good steps over the last couple of months.

“It doesn’t mater how old you are – if you’re good enough, you’re good enough.”