Reds young gun Josh Flook is ready to step up if called upon by Brad Thorn ahead of their Super Rugby AU Final against the Brumbies on May 8.
Flook looms as one of the key contenders for the vacant centre position left by Hunter Paisami after scans confirmed a facial fracture.
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The 19-year-old got the call-up in Round Eight in their previous match up with the Brumbies, dazzling the opposition as he crossed for a try.
Coach Thorn has a plethora of options in the position, with the likes of Flook, Lawson Creighton and Ilaisa Droasese fighting for the position.
Along with this, he could move Jordan Petaia back to centre, allowing Suliasi Vunivalu or Filipo Daugunu to come onto the wing.
Wherever Thorn decides to go, Flook is ready to step up as the added competition continues to fast-track his development.
“If I’m given the jersey to wear, I back myself to do a very good job,” Flook told Rugby.com.au on Tuesday.
“I’d be very proud to wear that in front of the crowd.
“We’ve got some many options… every training becomes a competition because everyone has to vie for their position week in, week out so it’s bettering us as a whole.”
Whilst Paisami is disappointed that he will miss the Final, Flook praised his attitude and energy around the group.
“He took a bit of time off but he’s back, he’s getting around the boys,” he added on Hunter.
“He’s giving us tips where he knows because obviously, he’s a very good player, been in the Wallabies setup so he knows a bit more than some of us.
“He’s just helping the boys out where he can. He’s been great for the team, bringing the morale up which has been nice.
If he is selected, it would give Flook a chance to play alongside his idol James O'Connor.
The Nudgee product still remembers the first time he met his future team-mate at school and joked that he was 'too scared' to tell him of his affection.
“I think I’m a bit scared (to tell him). I think the first time I met him was when he came to Nudgee one day to do a little promo,” he recalled.
“He would’ve had thousands of boys around him at that point but I got to meet him and shake his hand. It was a pretty cool experience.”
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With crowds tracking towards over 40,000 for the Final, which would be the highest for the Reds at Suncorp in 2014, Flook is looking to create his own memories as they look to emulate the 2011 heroics.
“Everyone’s up for it. Everyone’s pretty excited it’s a very big week,” he said. “We haven’t had a home final for years so we know it’s something special.
“We’re hoping that we can create something like those old boys did back ten years ago.
“We want to replicate that with our game. For a lot of boys, we were all out at that game ranging from ages and schools so it’ll be a pretty cool experience to actually be out there playing and Maroon.”
It’s a rematch of the 2020 Super Rugby AU decider as the Reds host the Brumbies on Saturday 8 May at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 7:45 pm AEST.Click here to purchase tickets to one of the most anticipated Rugby matches of the year.
