Highs
A season that the Reds would like to forget in a hurry. They managed just four wins - the highlight - beating the Force twice and avoiding the wooden spoon. A tough win over the Cheetahs at Vodacom Park also notable.
Lows
Injuries seriously hurt the Reds this year. Queensland were supposed to have been a serious title threat boasting a backline of Genia, Cooper, O’Connor, Kerevi, Hunt and Turner. Unfortunately there were very few occasions when the full strength team took to the park, so it’s back to the physio table, as well as the drawing board for 2016.
MVP
You have to feel for Liam Gill. Playing some of the best rugby of his career, the 23-year old could easily step up to the Test standard. He leads the competition in pilfers (13) and is third for forced penalties (10). Clearly Gill is the Reds MVP but unfortunately for him, he probably won’t crack a Wallabies starting spot such is the depth at openside flanker. Samu Kerevi also had a monster of a year, bulldozing his way into the Wallaby selection frame after earning a spot in the train-on squad for the Rugby Championship.
What’s next?
Twelve players have been chosen in the Wallaby train-on squad, with Kerevi, Karmichael Hunt and Greg Holmes the bolters. Will Genia and James Horwill have played their last game for the Reds, with both to continue their Rugby careers overseas next season. The rest of the squad will go straight into NRC training with either Brisbane City or Queensland Country.
Top points scorer: James O’Connor (44)
Top try scorer: Samu Kerevi & Lachie Turner (6)
Most tackles/game: Adam Thomson (10.1)
Most pilfers: Liam Gill (13)
