Reds flanker Fraser McReight is hopeful that his side can follow the lead of the 2011 champion side and create their own piece of history.
Ten years on from the Reds' breakthrough Super Rugby win over the Crusaders, the next generation of Reds has the chance to write their own history when they face the Brumbies in Saturday's Final at Suncorp Stadium.
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McReight and most of the squad were in the stands on that day, still in their early days of schooling.
However, the chance to make their own memories on the field and inspire future Reds is something that appeals to McReight and the squad, although they are refusing to get swept up in the hysteria.
“I think everyone in this team was at that game ten years ago and it’s a great memory to draw back on and a great part of Queensland Rugby history that everyone’s going to want to do in our own footsteps, have that bit of history for ourselves," McReight told Rugby.com.au.
“But like I said, there’s a long way to go before now and then…we’ve got a long week to prepare against a quality Brumbies side.
“For us, we can’t get too involved with the emotions of ten years ago and trying to do that because you get caught up in it.”
It would be easy to get lost in the build-up, with over 32,000 tickets reportedly sold for the game.
To put that into perspective, this crowd figure is already the highest for a Super Rugby games in Australia since 2017- and there are still four days to go.
Despite the added hype and build, McReight remains focused on the game ahead and what's needed to go one better than 2020.
“We’re a really close group and a lot of us were there last year when we didn’t get the job but it’s just another game of Rugby,” he believes.
“Obviously there’s a lot more media and speculation but we’re not really reading into it.
“We’ve got the same process and we’re fortunate enough to have the home Final so our preparation is the same as all the other home Reds games that we have."
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As talk continues to grow around a potential starting role for the Wallabies, the 22-year-old was pleased to see his added work off the field showing throughout the performances.
For McReight, the ability to spend three months in Wallaby camp allowed him to understand what he needed to work on and how to get better as a player.
“There are a lot of parts of my game that I want to find consistency in and play the Rugby that I know I’m capable of,” he said.
“I want to play more Wallabies games and win games for Queensland but I have to find that consistency within my own game to be able to do that. The cool thing about this team is that it’s building from last year.
“For me, having that three months with the Wallabies knowing what to get better at. Getting fitter, stronger, off field stuff and that all comes together as a collective and transitions onto the field which has been pretty rewarding to see.”
It’s a rematch of the 2020 Super Rugby AU decider as the Reds host the Brumbies on Saturday 8 May at Suncorp Stadium, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST.Click here to purchase tickets to one of the most anticipated Rugby matches of the year.
