Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific preparations continue to be hit by Covid-19, with Wallabies pair Hunter Paisami and Tate McDermott the latest Reds players to have tested positive to the virus.
Already sidelined with Covid-19 are James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia and Jock Campbell, who didn’t play in Queensland’s 42-33 weekend trial loss to the Western Force.
Also missing because of the virus was coach Brad Thorn, who was without more than half his squad when pre-season training resumed last month.
Halfback McDermott and centre Paisami are certain scratchings from this weekend’s trial against the Waratahs.
Reds general manager of professional rugby Sam Cordingley expects Thorn to be available to coach the team on Saturday, with a decision yet to be made on whether O’Connor, Petaia and Campbell will play.
“We’re just getting confirmation from our medical staff on the availability of Jordy, James and Jock,” Cordingley said.
“We have a medical protocol in terms of their return to play that we adhere to and guys have pushed through that pretty well.”
Cordingley believes the Covid-19 outbreak may have stemmed from a trip to Sydney last week.
“We had a number of guys that travelled down to Sydney last Wednesday for a media day and that’s probably the point of contact,” he said.
Cordingley said a positive was the virus had hit players during the pre-season rather than the season proper, which starts in less than two weeks.
“It looks like, fingers crossed; the majority of the squad has had some level of impact, so we can lead into the season with some level of certainty,” he said.
“You’re not sure whether it’s ever a good thing to have it but … it’s better now than during the season.”
He said another positive of established starts missing Saturday’s trial against the Force was that it led to extended game for some fringe players, including Italy-born and England-raised Tom Lynagh, the teenage son of Queensland and Wallabies great, Michael.
“With James and Jock dropping out, if afforded him greater opportunity in the game,” Cordingley said.
“I thought he was outstanding. A loud voice, good direction, really astute kicking, and he’s got exceptional speed. He’s probably one of the fastest guys in our squad.
“We’re expecting big things for him. ‘Thorny’ is not backwards in coming forward in terms of picking young talent, so I’d expect if the opportunity presents later on in the season, we may see him get his first Reds cap.”
Cordingley said Lynagh’s performance also impressed the young flyhalf’s father, who watched the match from England via a live stream.
“He (Michael) was really pleased and was really proud of Tom and what he achieved,” Cordingley said.
“He has been fantastic throughout the whole process and really connected in wanting to see how his son’s going.”
