Samu set to take his game to a whole new level

Tue, Jan 17, 2017, 11:01 AM
AAP
by AAP
Queensland Reds' flyer, Samu Kerevi had a breakout 2016 but thinks there's still improvement to be made, while scrumhalf, Nick Frisby is excited by his side's backline options.

Samu Kerevi is confident he can build on his breakout season for the Queensland Reds and Wallabies and take his game to a whole new level this year.

Kerevi made eight appearances for Australia in his debut season of international rugby after first establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Super Rugby.

But the damaging 23-year-old ballrunner knows he is a long way from what he could be.

Since returning to full training with the Reds earlier this month, Kerevi has been sharpening his kicking game with new attack coach Shane Arnold as he looks to add a few extra strings to his bow.

"I know I attract a lot of defenders so putting others in space is something I'm excited about, just being able to get out of uncomfortable positions," Kerevi said on Tuesday.

"I don't feel I'm the player yet that I want to be. There's a lot of improvement in my game that I can fix up.

"Making the Wallabies was something that was a surprise to me. I just wanted to play well for Queensland and hopefully duplicate it again this year."
Samu Kerevi is more than just a wrecking ball. Photo: Getty ImagesWallaby great Daniel Herbert last year declared Kerevi the best attacking centre in Australian rugby, and capable of becoming a Ma'a Nonu-type player for the Wallabies - threatening with either the ball in hand or tucked under his arm.

Kerevi spent most of the year playing at No.13, which is where he is likely to slot into the Reds' new-look backline.

But he was also tried at inside centre for the Wallabies during the 3-0 series defeat at home against England, and wants to give coach Michael Cheika a major selection headache by conquering both positions.

"I want to be able to play in any position comfortably," he said.

"Right now I've started to play 13 comfortably, but 12 is another position where I was thrown in with the Wallabies and it's something I want to exceed in.

"If that means improving my kicking game, it's definitely something I want to work on."

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