Young gun gets call-up for Reds

JIM TUCKER

A FORMER Junior Wallaby from Sydney has been drafted by the Queensland Reds to cover the desperate need for short-term back-up at hooker.

Ed Craig, 23, flew out yesterday to join the Reds squad in Johannesburg ahead of the tough clash against the Lions tonight.

The 113kg hooker plays with the Eastwood club but it was his strong scrummaging for Sydney in the National Rugby Championship that hinted he had a bigger future.

He has been co-opted on a four-week contract as injury cover after hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa was sidelined by damaged ankle ligaments.

The Reds have been plunged into a tricky situation, with Alex Mafi, 23, their only fit hooker with any experience.

He will carry the bulk of the load, while untried hooker Sean Farrell, 22, will likely get his chance with a Reds debut off the bench in the closing stages against the Lions.

The starting Reds front row of Taniela Tupou, JP Smith and Mafi can be an influential factor.

The mystery to this game is how many minutes they’ll all be pushed to with such rookie understudies.

Bench props Josh Nasser and Dane Zander are both just 20 and hungry to make their marks but there is also a reality that comes with that.

Joining the fray will at least be timed for after Jannie du Plessis leaves it, because the 70Test prop has been coaxed into a comeback at 37 to mentor the Lions’ own front-row cubs.

Nasser built his experience last year by reaching the final of the World Under-20s Championship, winning a club premiership with University and playing NRC.

“It’s a big step for a 20year-old but Josh is ready to challenge himself,” said proud father Brendan Nasser, the 1991 World Cup Wallaby.

“He’s a fast learner with a good frame for it and you couldn’t ask for better mentors in forward play than (scrum guru) Cameron Lillicrap and

Thorn.”

James O’Connor will become the sixth player picked at No.10 in the short Thorn era after Jono Lance, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty, Matt McGahan and Isaac Lucas. (coach)

Brad