Reds rookies ready to step it up
RUGBY UNION: It’s been a dream ride so far in Super Rugby for Brandon Paenga-Amosa but the wild-haired Queensland Reds rookie is bracing for his biggest test yet in Argentina this weekend.
Hooker Paenga-Amosa has been one of the cornerstones of a pack that has conquered the Brumbies and the Bulls in successive weeks – traditionally two of the competition’s strongest set-piece sides.
The 22-year-old only has a contract with the Reds because of Stephen Moore’s decision to retire a year early, which put in train a series of events that still has Paenga-Amo (pictured) pinching himself.
Paenga-Amosa was born in Auckland but grew up in Sydney as an avid All Blacks fan and idolised Brad Thorn.
He was part of the Melbourne Rebels’ wider training squad when Thorn phoned him out of the blue and asked him if he wanted to move to Brisbane.
“I was stoked. I was kind of star struck, having this idol of mine call me,” Paenga-Amosa said.
“I took the opportunity and I ran with it. Here I am today.”
Paenga-Amosa has started every match this season for the Reds, ahead of the highly-rated Alex Mafi and one-time Wallaby tourist Andrew Ready.
Both he and the team will face a difficult challenge on Sunday (AEST) in the form of the Jaguares to kick off their first international tour under Thorn.
The Jaguares tore the NSW Waratahs to shreds at the weekend in a 38-28 win that was much more comprehensive than the score suggests.
But Paenga-Amosa says the Reds are eager for another physical clash.
“The spirits are up. It’s much better going tour with two wins under our belt,” he said.