Tuttle deal pat on back

QUEENSLAND Reds halfback James Tuttle is relishing the huge vote of confidence shown in him by coach Brad Thorn after penning a new two-year Super Rugby deal.

Thrust into the starting role after Thorn’s decision to banish Nick Frisby and the salarycap squeeze which made a play for Will Genia impossible, Tuttle has signed with the Reds until the end of 2019.

The 21-year-old is seen as a star of the future and a Wallabies halfback in waiting, having previously captained the Australian Schoolboys, Australian under-20s and NRC winners Queensland Country in recent years.

He has also taken on the Reds’ goalkicking duties and in two games so far this season, he has only missed once in six attempts.

Accuracy with the boot is badly needed at Ballymore given his predecessor, Quade Cooper, had a career record of just 69 per cent and let many opportunities go begging last year. The No.9 jersey seems to be Tuttle’s for the long term.