Hynes could be a Super 14 flyhalf

Queensland Reds coach Eddie Jones has endorsed Peter Hynes as a potential Super 14 flyhalf option for the 2007 season, saying he is impressed with how the regular winger has adapted to the change.

Hynes was instrumental in the Reds win over NSW last weekend and this Saturday will line-up against another flyhalf novice for the Brumbies, Mark Gerrard.

Jones acknowledged Hynes was still “in his infancy” as a number ten, but said he has the skills required for the position.

“He’s got speed and he’s tough. He’s a very tough player, I didn’t realise how tough he is, and he’s determined to do well,” Jones said.

“I’d be happy to play him at number ten in a Super 14 now if Berrick (Barnes) and our other recruit Quade (Cooper) were injured, I’d be quite happy to play Hynes at ten. I’d have every confidence in him.”

Jones said Hynes has enjoyed the challenge of being more involved and is handling the physical side of the game well.

“You know some of his defence over the last period of time has been absolutely outstanding,” Jones said.

“The game at number ten is a physical game and I’m sure Mark Gerrard’s going to find out about that on Saturday.”

After a cautious start Hynes is relishing the change to being the ball distributor, rather than being at the end of the backline.

“I was a bit cautious at first, I guess, and a bit wary and not too sure what was going on, but as each week’s gone by I’m getting more comfortable.

“Being an ex-winger too, I like to try to get the ball wide as much as possible and give the other wingers the ball.

“Caleb (Brown) on the weekend I think had a fair few touches… so I think it’s going pretty well.”

Brown scored a hat-trick against NSW and has his eye on more this weekend to help his team qualify for the APC final next weekend.

“It would definitely be good to win for Queensland because we’ve been working hard and …even though against the Force we had a less than favourable game, we think we have the goods.”

The team to play the Brumbies will be announced tomorrow.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 4pm, following two Trans-Tasman curtain-raisers, a Qld President’s U19 XV vs Otago and the QAS U19 v Canterbury at 12:15pm and 1:45pm respectively.

Related Article:

Reds duo in doubt for Brumbies match (Mon Sep 18)