Teenage Queensland halfback to ignore expected baiting from Brumbies star Nic White

Reds teenager Kalani Thomas will welcome some sledging from Brumbies halfback Nic White in Canberra on Friday night.

Teenage Queensland halfback Kalani Thomas has dared his chirpy Brumbies counterpart Nic White to bait him with a verbal barrage in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific showdown in Canberra.

Both teams have won their first four games of the season, with the Brumbies on top of the ladder courtesy of an extra bonus point.

Thomas, who has impressed in the Reds No.9 jersey in the injury-enforced absence of Queensland co-captain Tate McDermott (ankle), knows what to expect from Wallaby White.

The Reds are expecting a chirpy Nic White on Friday night. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“I don’t think I’ve played any minutes at all (against White),” 19-year-old Thomas said.

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about him, and the chat that he throws on the field so it’ll be good to see how he goes getting under the halfback’s skin this week.

“If someone wants to talk, then let them because it’s only putting them off their game ... I don’t even take it in.

“I’m more focused on the job at hand.”

That’s to extend Queensland’s winning streak to five matches.

“They’re a quality side and they’re going to go for the full 80 (minutes),” Thomas said.

“We’re going to up for it this week and I have no doubt that the boys will be ready for it – I’m excited.”

Thomas expected Reds co-captain Liam Wright, who hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder in Queensland’s 23-5 win over the Melbourne Rebels on February 19, to be available for selection this week.

“He’s overcome his injury so it’s good to have our captain back,” Thomas said.