Walking the talk gives Reds huge lift

BEING out-lifted in the gym by your coach is never a good sign, unless that coach is Brad Thorn.

That’s the situation Queensland Reds second rower Izack Rodda (above) finds himself in but one he says is only helping his quest to win back a Wallabies spot.

Back from a shoulder injury that stalled his fledgling international career, Rodda hopes to wear the green and gold when Australia host Ireland in Brisbane on June 9.

Rodda plays in the same position Thorn made his own in a famed All Blacks career built on a tremendous work ethic.

He’s brought that experience into his rookie coaching season, leading from the front in gym sessions and providing extra insight to his newest protege.

“It’s a bit funny when you go in there and see him squatting 190kg and you’ve got 100 on the bar and you’re like, ‘Oh sweet, I’ve got a bit of a way to go’,” Rodda laughed.

“It’s that raw power but there are smarts around it too ... he was a very diligent footballer and we’re doing lots of little drills to help with scrum and lifting techniques.”

Rodda established himself in the Wallabies’ second row in just four Tests last year before shoulder surgery caused him to miss a home Bledisloe Cup victory and ensuing spring tour.

He donned Wallaby gold at Suncorp Stadium yesterday to promote the first-ever three-Test series on Australian soil against current Six Nations leaders.

The Lismore player showed off his moves alongside Irish dancers on the same turf where the Reds ground out an 18-10 win against the Brumbies last Friday. Queensland hosts South Africa’s Bulls on Saturday, with Rodda expecting another tough scrap.

“If you don’t step up to the physicality they bring they’ll just dominate you,” he said.