Reds utility Bryce Hegarty says Queensland’s players have faith in the direction the team is heading despite a “frustrating” start to the year.
Queensland has lost its opening three matches of 2020 despite holding a lead at times each week.
Last weekend’s clash with the Jaguares was the most notable turnaround, with the Reds losing 43-27 after bursting out of the blocks with a scintillating first half.
Their 0-3 start to the year follows two seasons in which they managed six wins apiece, finishing 13th and 15th, respectively.
Current coach Brad Thorn took over the team after years of dismal returns and Hegarty said the former All Black had universal support from his players despite the slow start to 2020.
“Thorny, he's got all our support from everyone at this club,” he said.
“We're behind him, he's come in at a hard time at the club and I think what he's done at the club is really good and really encouraging.
“It's his third year and we'll continue supporting him and playing for him as he's head coach because we all want to improve and we want the best for ourselves and for him and for the team as well.”
Despite his optimism, Hegarty admitted that losing after being positions to win had left them ruing some missed opportunities.
“It was another game where it was there for us to win, it's kind of been the story (every week),” he said.
“We've been leading in all three of the games so far so that's probably been the most frustrating thing so far that we probably could've won all three games and probably should've.
“That's been frustrating but it's also positive in the fact that we're putting ourselves in a position to win and it'll turn that way shortly.”
The Reds have their first 2020 home game this Saturday when they take on the Sunwolves at Suncorp Stadium after a marathon trip around the world.
Queensland’s squad has travelled more than 14,000 kilometres in the past fortnight but Hegarty said the gruelling travel wasn't a factor in their Buenos Aires defeat.
“There is a lot of travel in these first few weeks but in saying that we're professional athlete,” he said.
“You train, you get used to it, you put your body in those scenarios for a reason and unfortunately it was just certain moments in probably all three games where we weren't good enough.
“In that Jaguares game it blew out a little bit towards the end which was unfortunate but we were in a position to win all three games, which is kind of a positive that we're definitely going to take forward.”
The Reds take on the Sunwolves on Saturday February 22 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, kicking off at 6:15pm local, 7:15pm AEDT, LIVE on Foxtel, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
