Aidan’s second coming
AIDAN Toua has hidden his three-year-old daughter’s tiny Brumbies jersey in a cupboard to give her more time to switch her allegiance to the Reds he wants to help resurrect.
It explains how rapid the fullback’s own conversion has needed to be for tonight when he will face his Brumbies teammates of 2016-17 at Suncorp Stadium.
There is also no better figure to warn of the danger posed by quicksilver Brumbies fullback Tom Banks, who he tips to become a Wallaby.
Toua, 28, has not exactly sold his rugby soul because he was a passionate Red for four seasons (2011-14) in his home state before finding his feet in Super Rugby in Canberra.
“It may seem a little weird considering I only finished playing for the Brumbies six months ago but rugby is a business these days,” Toua said.
“I’ll be putting everything into that Reds jersey when I run out.
“There weren’t too many fond playing memories in my first years at the Reds when they were full of injuries.
“This is somewhat of a second life with Queensland and I’m excited to resurrect things and when my time ends, I want it to be on a good note this time.”
His youngest daughter Matilda, 3, loved Brumby Jack, the Canberra side’s horse-headed mascot, so weaning her off the Brumbies is a process.
“Her little jersey has been left in the back of the cupboard,” Toua said with a smile.
Luck also played a big part in Toua’s return.
A simple “I’m around in Brisbane” text to friend and backs coach Paul Carozza preceded the Karmichael Hunt drama last December.
When it wasn’t certain the Reds would even have a top fullback, the puzzle pieces fitted for a one-season deal.
Banks, 23, wasn’t valued highly enough at the Reds in 2016 which was a blunder because Brumbies recruiters saw his pure speed and flair.
“Banksy would beat me over 100m but I reckon I’ve got him over 10-15m,” Toua said.
“He’s going to be a Wallaby and we’re going to have to watch him because that fearless streak to try things is one of his biggest assets.”
Banks careered away for a 50m try from a hooker’s inside pass against Brisbane City last year so the Reds have been warned about his strikepower.
The Reds are fielding a novice back-row in Caleb Timu, Adam Korczyk and Liam Wright but their Brumbies rivals Isi Naisarani, Tom Cusack and Lachy McCaffrey are also a new combination.