Wallabies veteran’s run for Reds against Wales could keep him at club

James O’Connor might be just 80 minutes away from extending his future in Australian rugby, as the Reds prepare to face Wales and seek to cement themselves as the nation’s destination club.

Having battled a season plagued by a hamstring injury, the 34-year-old will again get the chance to start a game when he dons the Queensland No.10 jumper on Friday night.

Off-contract at season’s end, a new deal would take the 64-Test Wallaby through to a second British and Irish Lions tour on home soil, having featured in the last visit in 2013.

James O’Connor has previously stressed his hamstring injury will not be the end of his career.Credit: Getty

Reds coach Les Kiss confirmed negotiations were progressing to keep O’Connor at Ballymore, despite the emergence of five-eighths Tom Lynagh – who made his Wallabies debut against Wales – and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

“The conversations are progressing well. I think the big focus that he wanted was to get into this game, and have the opportunity to go out there and put the No.10 jersey on,” Kiss said.

“He’s been fantastic all year, and I know the boys are rallying around him. He’s stinging to go, that’s for sure … he’s a leader in his own right.”

Kiss’ desire to provide international experiences – something he said had “dropped out of the rugby landscape” that was pivotal in rebuilding the code - has seemingly made the club an ideal move for Australian talent, particularly after the Rebels’ collapse.

Already the Reds have signed Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu, Australia prop Matt Gibbon, outside back Lachlan Anderson and lock Josh Canham as the Melbourne squad hunt new homes.

Reds fullback Jock Campbell stressed when he inked a one-year extension the array of experiences brought to the program – with tours to Tonga, Japan and Europe also on the horizon – was crucial in his decision, and would be a drawcard for others.

Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has also reportedly been connected with a Queensland homecoming.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in action for the Wallabies.Credit: Getty Images

Under Kiss’ tutelage, Angus Blyth, Josh Nasser, Josh Flook and Lynagh have earned Wallabies debuts. Ryan Smith received a call-up into the national squad, while Hunter Paisami, Liam Wright and Harry Wilson returned to the fold.

Youngsters such as Tim Ryan, Mac Grealy and John Bryant have also set themselves up for big futures.

Salakai-Loto, who arrived at the Rebels after what he described as a life-changing experience playing in England, said he was yet to settle on his next club.

“All options are open ... but I can’t really give you an answer at the moment,” he said.

“I’d spent all my career up in Queensland and got to a point where I needed a change and do a bit of soul-searching, and overseas was the place for that.

“I left knowing I was going to come back [to Australia] at some stage ... I knew if I’d gone away and chipped away at my craft then coming back I’d be a better player for it.”

Queensland Reds squad vs Wales

1. Sef Fa’agase; 2. Richie Asiata; 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen; 4. Connor Vest; 5. Ryan Smith; 6. Seru Uru; 7. John Bryant; 8. Joe Brial; 9. Louis Werchon; 10. James O’Connor; 11. Mac Grealy; 12. Dre Pakeho; 13. Tim Ryan; 14. Floyd Aubrey; 15. Jock Campbell (c)

Reserves: 16. George Blake; 17. Matt Gibbon; 18. Massimo De Lutiis; 19. Josh Canham; 20. Connor Anderson; 21. Will Cartwright; 22. Mason Gordon; 23. Lachie Anderson