He's still just 22 but Josh Flook might be the blueprint for Queensland's "blended" backline in a new era under coach Les Kiss.
A former Australian Schoolboys captain, Flook shone across 13 Super Rugby Pacific starts in 2023 before earning Australia A selection against Tonga and Portugal.
Watch Saturday's Reds v Force Super Rugby Pacific trial match LIVE on Stan Sport.
Now, he's set to bear even greater responsibility in 2024 with coach Les Kiss demanding greater positional flexibility from his backline.
"He's an impressive young man, very comfortable in a number of positions." Kiss said of Flook.
"I like to blend the backline positions as much as possible. We like to talk about consistency and he's been consistently excellent in his output and execution and his commitment to knowing the detail has been fantastic.
"I would call Josh that type of player that is someone you can rely on at any given time but I don't want that to just be that word reliable - he has an X-factor and he works hard.
"Defensively, he can come up with really good reads and when he's the ball in hand, he has this uncanny sense of being able to be at the right place at the right time which helps other players around him."
While the majority of Flook's minutes were played at outside centre, Kiss hinted he'll find himself covering all across the backline across 2024 - and won't be the only one doing so.
"Josh will be prepared for that. I think 13 and winger are his first key positions but I do think there's capacity in a game for him to be able to slot to 15 if we need to at different times and at 12."
"He runs really good crisp lines, he's got very good timing. Although not the biggest guy, you don't need to be if you've got good timing so I think there's growth in him there.
"I'm just trying to make sure they've got more than just one position that they can play," Kiss added.
"That's the beauty of rugby, it's played in different ways and to be able to flex and grow in different ways is important .... the more flexibility you have, the better you are."
Flook told media he's enjoyed a new-found attacking "freedom" in Kiss' backline, one he hopes to let loose against the Western Force in Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific trial match. "I just want to be consistent, back up my year last year and play some good footy. We've got some new staff in and I've really enjoyed what they've implemented into the program,' Flook said on Friday.
"He (Les Kiss) is very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about everything he does. He's brought a nice energy to the group and everyone's really excited to put out there what he's given us.
"It's given us a bit of freedom … we can roam the field a lot more and play what we see so I think every player in the backline is excited to do that."
Jordan Petaia's selection at fullback has handed Flook first crack at the 13 jersey but he's under no illusions about locking down a starting role.
"Everyone's hot for a spot. We've got some really talented players here no matter what position you are.
So you've got to come in each day and put your best foot forward because you never know, someone could come in and take your position in the blink of an eye."
Saturday's Reds-Force trial match will be played in three 30-minute periods (click here for team lists.
Kick off is 3:15pm AEST at Ballymore Stadium and can be seen LIVE on Stan Sport.
