REDS KICK GOALS WITH RE-SIGNING OF TOP HALF
JAMES Tuttle has been resigned as the Queensland Reds’ top halfback with the growing bonus that he can become the elite goalkicker the team needs.
You can query Quade Cooper’s absence from selection consideration on several fronts but goalkicking is not one of them. Cooper slotted some memorable matchwinners for the Reds, including the penalty goal on fulltime that delivered a 16-15 win over the ACT in the fog in July.
Unfortunately, his career goalkicking rate of 69 per cent in Super Rugby is subpar when the likes of NSW Waratahs sniper Bernard Foley operate at around 77 per cent.
Tuttle has slipped into the role of No.1 goalkicker for the Reds this season.
His three-from-three effort with the boot, before Jono Lance repeated that perfect strike rate, was the ammunition to beat the Brumbies 18-10 on Friday night.
Tuttle has quietly built a Super Rugby career of 20 games amid the greater chatter about Will Genia’s choice of clubs and Nick Frisby’s 2017 fall from grace.
Tuttle’s diligence to become one of the team’s fittest players and a regular try-saver in defence comes on top of his improved pass and direction.
At 21, he also has the cool head to keep pushing for consistency, one of the Reds’ biggest challenges against the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium.
Repeating the sure handling, pressure and setpiece strength of the opening 25 minutes against the Brumbies is all-important for a fast start on Saturday night.