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Kerevi looks to share Reds load

3 minute read

Samu Kerevi will need a little help from his Queensland Reds friends to end a ten-game, six-year losing streak against the Waratahs on Saturday.

SAMU KEREVI of Australia warms up prior to the Quilter International match between England and Australia in London, United Kingdom.
SAMU KEREVI of Australia warms up prior to the Quilter International match between England and Australia in London, United Kingdom. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Samu Kerevi is mindful of bringing some of the Queensland Reds' lesser-lights into play as the captain grows used to wearing a target on his back this Super Rugby season.

The Wallabies centre leads the competition in carries and defenders beaten, while he is in the top five for metres earned, clean breaks and offloads.

It is no surprise that he has become a central focus of opposition scouting this season, with the Waratahs no exception as they aim for a staggering 11th straight win over the Reds on Saturday.

"Yeah I think I kind of feel that each week now," Kerevi said ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash.

"I heard the Sunwolves coach speak about that as well ... it's kind of humbling."

Kerevi's form has launched the redeveloping outfit into finals contention.

Only seven points - less than two wins - separates the four Australian franchises with five games remaining.

The Waratahs (22 points) are at the bottom of that lot, while the Reds (23) missed a chance to push closer to the Brumbies (29) following a close loss to Melbourne Rebels (28) last weekend.

Ending a losing streak that stretches back to 2013 is almost essential if the Reds are to finish on top of the Australian charts, but it won't come easy against a NSW starting side featuring no less than 10 Wallabies.

Kerevi described it as an "awesome" challenge that he can't accomplish alone.

"It's awesome that I'm a targeted man, but I want to get my teammates in the game," he said.

"I believe they're a threat too; if they've got eyes on me it means someone else is in space."

Centre partner Chris Feauai-Sautia is one of those, while new fullback Michael McGahan could be another and Sefa Naivalu has had his moments on the wing.

The former Blues back McGahan will be the fourth fullback used by coach Brad Thorn this year.

But the son of New Zealand rugby league talent Hugh brings underrated experience, a solid left boot and much-needed play-making ability to the post.

"He brings a lot of experience and voice; he's a really, really good communicator," Kerevi said.

"Having him at the back gives us a different view to what (No.10) Bryce (Hegarty) is seeing and that helps him a lot."

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