Queensland Reds captain Tate McDermott is comfortable flying under the radar as they look to make up for a disappointing finish to 2022.
The Reds have started the season strong with two impressive trial performances, dominating the Force and were a TMO away from likely beating the Waratahs in Narrabri.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
However, this has never been the problem for Brad Thorn's side. After all, they’ve won 14 of their last 16 games against Australian opposition.
The issue? They have failed to back it up against the Kiwi opposition, with their win over the Chiefs in Townsville in 2021 the lone victory over the five NZ clubs in the last two years.
This saw the Queenslanders to slide down the ladder at the back end of last season, finishing eighth and eliminated from the finals by eventual champs Crusaders after losing six of their last seven.
Heading into 2023, the narrative has been dominated by the Waratahs-Brumbies blockbuster at Allianz Stadium, with McDermott and the Reds more than happy to build into the season out of the spotlight.
“I don’t think we deserve expectations after last year’s back end," McDermott said at the season launch.
“If they want to talk about Brumbies-Waratahs, good on them they always do.
“Underdogs we love it, there’s no pressure. No one expects us to perform anyway. It’s exciting.
“All Queensland sides are exactly the same and this is no different. We’re not using this as motivation, I couldn’t care less what they are doing to be honest.
"It’s about us and we need to make sure everyone in the squad is thinking how can Queensland get better and improve which this pre-season has been a good example of."
The Reds will have the perfect chance to make a statement as they host the Hurricanes on Saturday.
In their previous match-up during Super Round, they started on fire, taking a 17-0 lead before conceding 30 straight points after a Connor Vest yellow card helped swing momentum.
The Queenslanders finished the year as the most penalised side in the competition, with McDermott eager to see how they compete in Townsville.
“It’s an exciting challenge,” McDermott said.
“The one thing I learnt as captain last year is you can’t promise anything. For us, it’s perfect to kick it off and Townsville and we’ll see how we go.
“…If we do what we say we want to do, we’ll have a good day at the office but if we bring ill-discipline like (last year against the Hurricanes) 17-0 up and then one card, the Kiwis are very good at capitalising when you are down a man.
“I have no doubt the messaging will be set piece and discipline. We have the treasure that pill when we have it. (It’s) very simple stuff when you say it like that but against a class outfit like the Hurricanes, it’s difficult to do. We’re confident in our ability and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
