Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has hedged his bets on a rookie five-eighth with just 20 minutes of rugby under his belt this year, revealing it was what he witnessed last year and a booming boot that solved his first selection conundrum.
Tom Lynagh, son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, will don the No.10 jumper against the Waratahs on Saturday night, fending off a spirited challenge from uncapped teenager Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
Tom Lynagh has won the race for the Reds’ No.10 jumper, despite a restricted preseason due to injury.Credit: Getty
McLaughlin-Phillips loomed as the front-runner for the job after a man of the match showing against Saitama Wild Knights, an eye-catching cameo against the Force and a strong starting stint against New South Wales throughout the preseason.
Meanwhile, Lynagh’s duties have been restricted as he recovered from a lingering back complaint, finally returning in the latter stages of his side’s trial win over their forthcoming rivals.
But Kiss declared he had seen enough in the 20-year-old to know he was the man to spearhead a triumphant start to Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
He said Lynagh’s kicking strength in general play ultimately proved the difference, wary of the impact Waratahs flyer Max Jorgensen would have once he entered the fray in addition to starting wingers Mark Nawaqanitawase and Dylan Pietsch.
But he said this was “just the starting point”, and Lynagh’s selection was no guarantee he would retain the jersey throughout the competition.
“I think Tom’s had that bit of experience from last year, and it probably tipped the scales that way, [but] Harry’s done well, Harry’s stepped up to every challenge that’s put in front of him,” Kiss said.
“That kicking game I think it’s going to be important, definitely. From a goal kicking perspective he’s handy, and he’s proven all those things that we’ve seen in Super Rugby before.
“We need to match their kicking game, we need to be able to put the ball in the spaces for their back three – which is pretty dynamic – and when you Jorgensen comes on it gets even more damaging.
“We have to be astute with the kicking game, so it’s going to be important for us and Tommy I’ve seen him do it in Super Rugby. He’s got a nice little zip about him, he came off the bench and worked with a team that was tired and this is his chance to work with a team that’s fresh.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, pictured taking on the Saitama Wild Knights, will bide his time.Credit: Kev Nagle / Stephen Tremain.
“He was physical, very physical, which is going to be necessary – whether it was Harry or him they’re going to try and come down that channel.”
Kiss’ other selection dilemma proved to be the race for the fullback jumper, with Wallabies star Jordan Petaia edging out Jock Campbell – despite the latter’s brilliant form in the preseason.
Campbell stared against the Waratahs in their final trial in Roma, scoring an individual try and having a hand in two others to set up the 32-7 win.
However, Petaia’s elusive running game and sheer speed has gotten the nod, but Kiss said the decision was not made because of the new offside kick chaser laws introduced in 2024.
Rather, he said it was the form of developing outside centre Josh Flook that forced his hand.
“Jock proved he’s very dynamic at the back in the last game in Roma, I was really pleased Jock really came to life in that game,” Kiss said.
“Jordie I thought against the Force had some really good moments too, so it was a tough one, and Josh Flook has to come into that equation as well.
“He’s been playing really solidly at 13, so we’ve gone with that combination for this weekend.”
Queensland Reds squad vs New South Wales Waratahs Saturday February 24
1. Alex Hodgman; 2. Matt Faessler; 3. Zane Nonggorr; 4. Seru Uru; 5. Ryan Smith; 6. Liam Wright; 7. Fraser McReight; 8. Harry Wilson; 9. Tate McDermott; 10. Tom Lynagh; 11. Mac Grealy; 12. Hunter Paisami; 13. Josh Flook; 14. Suliasi Vunivalu; 15. Jordan Petaia; 16. Josh Nasser; 17. Peni Ravai; 18. Sef Fa’agase; 19. Cormac Daly; 20. John Bryant; 21. Kalani Thomas; 22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips; 23. Jock Campbell
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