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Show me the rugby Pocock tells Reds
By Jim Tucker
March 14, 2008 Show me the rugby Pocock tells Reds - Super 14 - Fox Sports
HOT property David Pocock has given battlers Queensland hope that he is on the open market by declaring the Reds still have two months to build their case on the field.
The 19-year-old dynamo destined to be Australia's next long-term Test flanker is delighted with the Western Force environment yet does not hide the pulling power that Brisbane still has for him.
His parents Andy and Jane live in Brisbane, where he was schooled at Churchie and his locker was side-by-side with that of close friend Quade Cooper, the Reds flyhalf.
He also has a high regard for Queensland coaching duo Phil Mooney and Mark Bell, mentors when he shared in Australia's world under-19 championship win in 2006.
To borrow from filmdom's most famous sports agent Jerry Maguire, Pocock and others on the Reds recruitment wish list are yelling, "SHOW ME THE RUGBY!"
Only a decent rally in the Reds' results will make it a fight for his signature, and the same scenario exists for another Reds target, Proserpine-bred Force forward Tom Hockings.
"I'm pretty happy at the Force. They gave me my chance and (head coach) John Mitchell is excellent on back-row work to teach all the finer points," Pocock said.
"For me, the key thing is the rugby. I'd like to leave that decision to the end of Super 14 because all my focus is on the Force right now."
Pocock was upbeat about the future he saw for the Reds.
"The Force won only once in our first season (2006) but made a big move up the table last year so a turnaround doesn't have to take long," Pocock said.
"I really enjoyed Phil's coaching style in under-19s and the Reds will be really good in a few seasons."
Soon enough to lure Pocock? It's uncertain.
The off-contract tyro displayed all his class as an openside flanker in one striking play against the Canterbury Crusaders in Perth last Sunday.
He positioned himself perfectly on the end of a passing rush to score in the corner as a fine second effort after hitting the previous ruck.