Hynes looking to make a good fist of fullback
Published: 27/01/2010 by Paul Reid - Queensland Rugby
QR Reds veteran Peter Hynes is ready to have a boots and all crack at a positional switch from wing to fullback if that.s what the Reds need him to do. Hynes has predominantly played on the wing since joining the Reds in 2003, with his finishing ability and tactical nous earning him 22 Tests for the Wallabies. But the 27-year-old speedster is willing to step out of his comfort zone and take on the added responsibility of playing in the number 15 jersey after the role was left vacant when injury forced Mark McLinden into retirement late last year. Hynes, named at fullback for Friday night.s trial against the Crusaders at Ballymore (kickoff 7:40pm), has been working at learning the nuances of the role after his last appearance - a 33-20 loss to the Bulls in the Reds' opening Investec Bank Super 14 match last season - produced mixed results. .Last year I came (into the season) as a winger and there was a last minute decision to play me at fullback. I think I had like three of four days. preparation leading into the first game,. Hynes said. .This time I said to (new head coach Ewen McKenzie) if you want me to play fullback, if it is something you want to explore, then it.s something I want to do from the start of preseason and get as much training and as much game time there as possible. .This time going in I.ll be a lot more comfortable.. McKenzie has been so impressed with how Hynes has adapted himself to the role that he has named him vice-captain for their clash with the Crusaders. .Peter has been terrific. On and off the field he has been a great contributor already,. McKenzie said. .He has obviously been around for a long time, so he understands where the Reds have been. It.s important to have that as a benchmark.. McKenzie has also included fellow Wallaby Will Genia and former All Black Daniel Braid in an extended 28-man squad for Friday night.s trial. McKenzie said he was struggling to lock down a squad for the February 13 clash at Suncorp Stadium with many of the younger players making a strong case for selection in training and in the Reds. 26-24 come from behind trial victory over the Waratah .It will be difficult selecting a team. There are a lot of guys putting their hands up,. he said. .I don.t think the punters out there would think that would be the case, but I.ve been really pleased with the pressure the young guys have produced. .By giving them the fulltime training involvement in preseason they.ve been able to generate some genuine pressure on positions, so selecting the whole team will be complicated.. McKenzie said flanker Braid will enter the match at full fitness after undergoing surgery on his Achilles last year. .He is training very well and the only reason he wasn.t involved last week was because he got married. There.s no indication that he (still) has an Achilles injury. .I think he.ll be nervous running out there against a Crusaders team he knows well, but it.s a good opportunity for him.. Genia will play off the bench after requesting to return a week earlier than originally planned. Also today, St George Bank was announced as a new sponsor for Queensland Rugby and the QR Reds. The sponsorship will see the St.George logo displayed on the sleeve of the Reds. playing strip, and will involve a range of new initiatives to help fans get closer to the Reds. St.George Managing Director Queensland, Martin Barrett, said the new partnership was a demonstration of the Bank.s increasing presence in Queensland and commitment to the State. Tickets for this Friday.s Ballymore trial match are on sale from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849 or from a Ticketek outlet. Pre-sale Prices: $20 Adults $10 Concession/ additional Members tickets $5 Juniors (aged 3-15) Gate Prices: $25 Adults $15 Concession/ additional Members tickets $5 Juniors (aged 3-15)
