Queensland rugby stands down star trio

The deal would see players take a cut of 60 per cent on average over the next six months or until Super Rugby returns.

But it is understood the three players, who are all managed by powerful agent Andrew Piccone, have instead requested full pay despite the COVID-19 shutdown.

It is understood they could now chase deals in Japanese rugby.

Hockings, who was born in Proserpine before moving to Bowen to start his rugby journey with the Mudcrabs, was seen as a future backrow prospect for the Wallabies and picked for the Australian shadow training squad.

It is understood incoming Wallabies coach Dave Rennie spoke directly with the 21year-old forward but was unable to sway his decision.

Hockings and his Reds teammates are now at a crossroads after the state body formally stood the trio down.

The decision was made with the support of RA.

QRU chief executive officer David Hanham said in a statement that the majority of players had accepted their position within the player agreements and had agreed to reduced hours under the federal JobKeeper legislation.

“Many industries in Australia are facing the same circumstances as sport in this country,” he said.

“We understand this situation is difficult for everyone and individual decisions need to be made to protect the longterm viability of rugby in Queensland. As we have outlined before, these conditions are necessary at present and allow the QRU to create a financial bridge to the other side of this pandemic.

“Unfortunately, we have had to take the decision to stand down three of our players. Given the recent negotiated player-payment reduction agreement, this was not a situation the QRU had expected to face.

“As we build towards the