Reds hooker ready for Moore challenge

Thu, Oct 13, 2016, 5:33 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Andrew Ready is bracing for a 2017 challenge. Photo: QRU Media Unit
Andrew Ready is bracing for a 2017 challenge. Photo: QRU Media Unit

Reds hooker Andrew Ready is prepared for the challenge of competing with Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore in 2017.

Ready cemented his spot as Queensland starting hooker this season, overtaking Saia Fainga’a, but toppling Moore will be a more challenging prospect, though it’s one that Ready is already embracing.

“I spent the last two years sitting behind those [James Hanson] and Saia [Fainga’a] and proved myself this year so hopefully I do the same next year and what a challenge it'll be, really exciting,” he said.

“This year was nice but hopefully I can step my game up next year and learn a lot from a guy like Stephen Moore who has huge amounts of experience in Super Rugby and Tests.

The Reds went 'Strongman' on Thursday. Photo: QRU Media Unit“I've been fortunate enough in the past two years to learn off James Hanson and Saia Fainga'a.

“I feel they've been pretty much the top three hookers for the last five years so to be able to be mentored by those three guys is a great opportunity for myself and I'm really looking forward to testing it next year.”

Ready admitted he was disappointed to be left out of Wallabies calculations, with Tolu Latu preferred over Ready in the most recent Wallabies squad after an injury to Tatafu Polota-Nau, but said stringing consistent form together would speak more loudly than anything else.

“It was disappointing but I still wanted to play good rugby so I was lucky enough to play for Brisbane City (in the NRC) and finally get a good win last week against Queensland Country,” he said.

“I let that stuff take care of itself. I’ll  just keep playing good rugby and let the rugby do the talking.

“Being young still, 23, I’ve still got a long way to go, so it's just the beginning.”

The Reds were training in the punishing Brisbane sun. Photo: QRU Media UnitThe Reds have thrown themselves into preseason training already, new coach Nick Stiles taking them away from Ballymore and to the Queensland coasts and Brisbane’s inner north to hand the side some physical challenges.

Ready said the training was something out of eras past and an experience he relished.

“I think it's probably a bit old school as well, get out of the gym, get out of Ballymore and doing straight line running and just come out and test you in different environments,” he said.

“I thoroughly enjoy it, I'm sure the other boys enjoy it.

“It could be tough, going to a few dark places in your head but if everyone comes out the other end, it's all good.”

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