Queensland flyer Luke Morahan has signed a new two-year deal with the Reds ahead of being picked on the wing for Saturday night's Super Rugby grudge match against New South Wales in Brisbane.
Morahan moves from full-back to the wing for the interstate clash after Rod Davies succumbed to a knee injury sustained in the 39-30 last start win over the Bulls.
Davies is one of two players to be scratched from Queensland's starting side with prop James Slipper suffering a collarbone injury.
Former Wallabies tighthead Guy Shepherdson will replace Slipper in his run-on debut for the Reds after being cut free by the Brumbies last year.
"Being able to bring in someone who has played 71 Super Rugby games and 18 Tests just highlights some of the depth we have created for this season and I have every confidence (Shepherdson) will stand up to the task," Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said.
Morahan's shift opens the way for utility back Ben Lucas to start at full-back after an impressive return from injury off the bench against the Bulls.
Morahan admitted it was a difficult decision to re-sign with Queensland after being heavily courted by the Melbourne Rebels with a lucrative offer.
But he revealed his local upbringing and the table-topping Reds' exciting potential convinced him to stay.
"I was born in Queensland and I grew up here, it's my home and when all is said and done it's where I want to live and play rugby," the 21-year-old said.
"There is such an exciting atmosphere in the team at the moment and all the boys get along very well.
"We share the same goals and vision - to make the finals in 2011."
Reds: Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Scott Higginbotham, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, Guy Shepherdson, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Res: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Leroy Houston, Liam Gill, Will Chambers, Dom Shipperley.
-AAP
First posted April 21, 2011 11:08:00
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