Harry keen to shine on home stage

Former Wheatman out to pull his weight for Reds.

Reds rugby prop Harry Hoopert on his family grain farm at Jondaryan. Picture: Brendan Hertel, QRU

RUGBY UNION : Friday night presents former Dalby junior Harry Hoopert with a sentimental return to his rugby beginnings, but there will be more than emotions at play when he pulls on his Reds’ jersey.

Hoopert steps out for Queensland at Dalby Leagues Club against New South Wales in the Reds’ final trial game before the Super Rugby season kicks off the following weekend.

This year shapes as a pivotal season for Hoopert as he looks to secure a starting spot in the Reds’ front row, and Friday night shapes as the perfect stage for him to help underline his credentials.

Rugby fans this season can expect to see a “beefed-up” Hoopert looking to lift his defensive impact on the Reds’ campaign trail.

“Last year Thorny (Reds’ coach Brad Thorn) said I can probably be a bit more angry coming into defence, so I’ll work on that a bit more this year, ” Hoopert said.

“I’ll work on my technique and all that sort of stuff. Particularly the scrum.

“That’s been a big focus for myself, trying to start (in the first 15) this year.

“I’ve put on five or six kilos since last year.

“I think I was around 108. Now I’m 114 or 115.

“It was through the NRC I started putting on a bit of weight and that helped in the scrums, defence and attack.

“Thorny had a chat to me and wanted me to put on three or four kilos, or a bit more.

“It’s a good bonus for me.”

Hoopert’s return home is set to provide the Dalby rugby fraternity with some added spice against the “old enemy”.

“From what mum and dad have been telling me, everyone’s been talking about it in town,” Hoopert said.

“I know for all the farmers and stuff obviously going through a hard time, I think it’s just something to get their mind off that and come and enjoy a bit of footy with the locals.

“All of us in that (Reds) young age group, we’re all firing for spots, positions in the starting 15 or even the matchday 23. It’s all really competitive at the moment.

“All spots are up for grabs. Everyone is trying to make a statement for our first match against the Brumbies.”

# TICKETS for Friday night’s game can be purchased at trybooking.com.

Prices are adults $15, children $5, families $35.