Boom Reds centre Dre Pakeho delivering the goods following Josh Flook hamstring injury

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has confirmed the worst for talismanic centre Josh Flook but it leaves the door open for a 20-year-old to further entrench his name in Rookie of the Year conversations.

Dre Pakeho of the Reds makes a break in his breakout Super Rugby campaign. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images.

The Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby premiership pursuit has been aided by the incredible depth at coach Les Kiss’ disposal.

The most notable player stepping up to the plate this season was 20-year-old revelation Dre Pakeho, who has come out of the woodwork to put himself in the frame for Rookie of the Year honours.

A hamstring injury to four-Test Wallaby centre Josh Flook has given Pakeho his chance to step up. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images.

His sound 80-minute performance in a 35-21 win over the Blues on Friday, where he bested his 81-Test All Black opposite Rieko Ioane, further entrenched his name in those conversations.

“He stepped up completely,” Kiss lauded.

“He found great running-line timing, hitting the shoulders and punching himself through, creating a bit of a collapsed defence situation which created momentum.”

Off the ball, Pakeho — who was signed from the club’s Academy late last year — was also a hitman responsible for nullifying a high-class Blues backline which featured Ioane, Mark Tele’a, fullback Zarn Sullivan and Beauden Barrett which made next to no noise.

“He smoked a guy when he needed to. He took the space and really smoked him,” Kiss said.

“There were some really mature moments for a young man.”

Dre Pakeho of the Reds. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

The Sydney-born midfielder, of Maori heritage, only turned 20 in January and entered the season with no expectations due to Queensland having Josh Flook and even Filipo Daugunu as its No.13 options.

But the Reds have been turned to Pakeho following a calf injury to Daugunu and a season-ending hamstring injury to Flook.

Filipo Daugunu of the Queensland Reds during the round eight Super Rugby Pacific match between Chiefs and Queensland Reds at FMG Stadium. Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images.

Kiss said Daugunu will miss the Reds’ next clash against the Fijian Drua in Suva but could “possibly” return against the Waratahs on May 9.

Kiss was less optimistic about Flook. “I don’t think Flooky is going to be here for the season,” Kiss said.

“At this stage, there’s a bit of work to be done with that hamstring.”

Josh Flook of the Reds in action during the round three Super Rugby Pacific match between Western Force and Queensland Reds. Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images.

It has opened the door for inside centre Pakeho to show his class and versatility at outside centre where he has played 80 minutes against the Chiefs, Brumbies, Blues and Force in the last month.

“He has an edge in his game,” Kiss said in praise.

“We’ve needed him to step up because we’ve got injuries in that area and we always focus on who we have got rather than who we haven’t.”

Originally published as Boom Reds centre Dre Pakeho delivering the goods following Josh Flook hamstring injury