Last but not least: Isaac the most talented in Lucas family, says Kerevi

Thu, Feb 21, 2019, 3:41 AM
Emma Greenwood
by Emma Greenwood
The Reds have finalised their preparations for their opening Super Rugby game of 2019 against the Highlanders in Dunedin. New skipper Samu Kerevi excited by the potential debutants in the squad and new additions Bryce Hegarty and Sefa Naivalu.

Reds captain Samu Kerevi has hailed Isaac Lucas as the most talented member of his Brisbane rugby clan as the 20-year-old prepares for a possible Reds debut on Friday night.

Lucas, who turned 20 earlier this month, write a new chapter in his family's already storied rugby history on Friday if he makes his debut off the bench against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The younger brother of Brumby Matt, former Reds scrumhalf Ben and Sevens player Tom, Isaac has been hailed as the most naturally gifted by Kerevi.


"It's exciting for the Queensland fans to have those new boys, especially the young guys in Fraser (McReight) and (Isaac) Lucas on the bench," Kerevi said after the Reds completed their captain's run in Deunedin on Thursday.

"Obviously his brothers have come through and he's the fourth brother and I've always said he's probably the best.

"He's been training the house down."

Lucas made the most of his opportunities in the Reds trials, changing the tempo when he came on in the second half against the Chiefs at Ballymore and catching the eye of coach Brad Thorn.

"You've got young Isaac Lucas there, the Lucas family, four from four talented footballers," Thorn said.

"He's shown some wares and it was encouraging seeing those guys make the most of their opportunities."

Whether he gets a chance on Friday is up in the air, with Thorn likely to provide halves Moses Sorovi and Hamish Stewart with every opportunity as the Reds bid to seal a first win in almost three years against a New Zealand opponent.

Wallabies stalwart Kerevi will make his debut as Reds captain as the team runs out in a Maroon strip.

"I've said before it's always been an honour for me to represent Queensland and to captain the side is an even bigger honour," he said.

"I think it's really important to pay homage top the past.

"Maroon has always been the Queensland colour and for us to be able to represent that week-in, week-out is enticing for us and for the fans.

"I know the fans really love us wearing that jersey and it instils a lot of pride and a lot of history."

The Reds take on the Highlanders on Friday, February 23, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, kicking off at 5:35pm AEDT (7:35pm local and 4:35pm in Queensland), LIVE on FOX SPORTS and viaRUGBY.com.au radio.

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