Reds hit the track

Reds hit the track

Sportal

The Queensland Reds are back in training as they look towards the 2007 Super 14 season, which is due to commence in a month's time.

The Reds have sent a reduced squad comprising of Greg Holmes, David Croft, Sam Cordingley, Rodney Blake, Mitchell Chapman, James Horwill, Stephen Moore, Hugh McMeniman, Chris Latham, Berrick Barnes and Ben Coutts to Canberra for the rest of this week to train with the Wallabies World Cup training squad.

In total, the Reds have been reduced to a 31-man squad, as backrower Ben Mowen has been forced to undergo a shoulder reconstruction that will keep him out of the entire Super 14 season.

But, coach Eddie Jones said there was enough depth in the forwards to compensate for the absence of Mowen.

"It's a shame for Ben who missed a large chunk of last season with a broken jaw," Jones said.

"However we still have plenty of competition in the backrow with John Roe, David Croft, Mitch Chapman, AJ Gilbert and Tom McVerry all available and training well."

The Reds still have a few players to rejoin the squad with utility back Ryan Nicholas, Brando Va'alu, Will Genia and Herman Hunt yet to attend.

Nicholas has been playing for Suntory in Japan and will remain there until at least 25 February while Academy players Va'alu, Genia and Hunt will commence training with the side in the lead up to the season in order to maintain depth in key positions.

"This is a crucial time in the team's preparation," Jones said.

"I've been pleased with the players' commitment, but we still must strive to improve every day."

"Berrick Barnes was even out here on Christmas Day with kicking coach Dave Alred, fine tuning his game and that just shows what these boys are putting in to their preparations for this season."

The Reds were joined on Wednesday by renowned forwards coach Alex Evans who has taken on the role of Reds Scrum Technical Advisor, which will see him work with the team twice a week this season.