McReight time for Fraser as Reds flanker prepares to fill Hooper void

Wed, Aug 16, 2023, 7:55 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

Flanker Fraser McReight is looking to follow in the footsteps of Wallabies greats as he eyes off the coveted number seven jersey.

McReight finds himself as the front-runner for one of the most famous jerseys in Australian Rugby for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

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The likes of David Wilson, George Smith, David Pocock and Michael Hooper have established their legacies at World Cups in the past as Wallabies legends.

Now, the 24-year-old has an opportunity of his own.

“Yeah, it was pretty special," McReight told reporters on being selected. "I was actually at Bunnings getting some paint and then I got a call from ‘Webby’ (team manager Chris Webb) saying I'm on a fight.

“It’s pretty exciting, obviously there's a lot of nerves and anxiety that day not knowing what's going to happen just wanting to find out.”

Like many, McReight was 'shocked' to see Hooper miss out on a fourth World Cup, with Eddie Jones opting against taking the wounded Wallabies legend over to France as he battles a calf injury.

In typical fashion, Hooper reached out to McReight to congratulate him on his selection as the young flanker continues to pick the departing Waratah's brains.

“(Michael) messaged me this morning and said ‘go well’,” McReight said.

“I've had a few messages back and forth with them over the past few weeks. We'll keep in touch. So I'm sure that won't be the last thing as well.”

McReight filled in admirably for Hooper during his extended break from the game in 2022.

It provided the Reds flanker with the luxury of consistent Test football after lone appearances in 2020 and 2021 off the bench.

“I had a Test a year and then last year had a lot of tests where I was to learn about the game and about myself," he said.

“I was able to take all those stuff to Super (Rugby), I thought I’d had a good season and was able to then build on that. Coming in here, I just feel a lot more confident around my ability and the group.

Having fought his way back into the side for the second Bledisloe, McReight was looking to continue his progression.

“The way Eddie and the coaching staff are able to build up the players in the group, even though we are a young group it’s been great for us having that backing," he added.

"The feedback (after being dropped) was good. They were happy with how I played, I think they wanted a bit more pressure around the ruck which I was not able to get.

“I think with Eddie the message is quite clear and he's very honest with the way he sees you and where he sees you can get to. For me, it's all been really positive. So he's told me things to work on and I'm gonna do that so super excited to keep progressing onto France.”

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