Reds’ Harry Wilson with a point to prove in fierce derby brimming with ‘hatred’

Queensland No.8 Harry Wilson wants to prove a point to NSW rival Langi Gleeson in a Super Rugby Pacific season opener he says will be brimming with hatred.

Gleeson, who was included in last year’s World Cup squad when Wilson missed out, will feel the wrath of the 24-year-old Reds powerhouse when the pair clash in the Suncorp Stadium cauldron on Saturday night.

“As a No.8 who wants to be playing for the Wallabies … he obviously leapfrogged me last year. That hurt,” Wilson said.

“That definitely is always extra motivation when you see somebody in the same position on the other team. You want to go after them. I want to prove a point to him but for the benefit of the team.

“The moment you put on the maroon jersey and they put on the blue jersey there is hatred.

“It is our first game of the year in a new era of Queensland rugby.

“It all begins now under (coach) Les Kiss’s leadership and we want to start well and get one up against the old foe.”

Kiss has given his Reds permission to push their limits in a move he thinks will set Wilson free again.

The mercurial No.8 was a walk-up Wallabies pick in his first season of Super Rugby in 2020, playing 10 of 11 Tests before quickly falling out of favour under former coaches Dave Rennie and Eddie Jones.

He has managed just two Tests in the past three years, despite dominating for Queensland and winning two player-of-the-year gongs.

Kiss, who was replacing long-time coach Brad Thorn, could sense Wilson’s frustration when he arrived at Ballymore last year.

“When I first met him I could see a driven young man who had impressed immensely through Super Rugby,” Kiss said.

Wilson, part of the Barbarians’ European tour during last year’s World Cup, worked on his support play and decoy running at club level in an effort to add strings to his bow.

But, after confessing he had gone into his shell in recent seasons, it’s Wilson’s hard running, footwork and eye-watering offloads that Kiss has encouraged back into his game.

“I want all the players to be skilful and smart, make good decisions,” Kiss said.

“Harry’s got some remit to have a go. There are boundaries and that’s not for me to tell him. He’ll find out, and that’s football, isn’t it?”

Wilson said he was thriving under the Kiss ethos.

“It takes a bit of fear of failure away from you. He really wants us to express ourselves in the team shape. It is pretty exciting,” he said.

The Reds will be without veteran playmaker James O’Connor (hamstring) for Saturday’s opener in Brisbane, while Angus Blyth (back) is also in doubt.

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, still just 19, is in line for a debut either off the bench or starting in the No.10.