Harry Wilson has had some extra homework this week as the Reds prepare to tackle the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Speaking on the Fox Rugby Podcast this week, the Gunnedah boy said he has been studying up the words to the team song after having to fumble his way through following the Reds record-breaking win over the Sunwolves last weekend.
"There was at least probably four or five of us that are new and we definitely didn't know the words," he said.
"Today (Sunday) they actually sent the words in the group chat so I've been studying it up so next time I'll definitely know all the words."
It was a bit of a game of firsts for the boom young backrower, being not only his first win in a Reds jersey, but first game at home and in front of all his family and friends.
"It was awesome," he said.
"The first three games were all away and I didn't know what it was going to be like playing at Suncorp, and with all my mates and family there it was pretty unreal. I could hear them all game screaming at me."
He spoke about the support they, particularly his family, have given him over the journey.
"They're always there, they're always so positive to me, nothing's ever negative it's always positive, and I really love to play for them, because they've done so much for me along the way and they just love rugby too," he said.
Since making an impressive debut against the Brumbies, the 22-year old's star has only continued to rise.
He has consistently been among the Reds best, and according to Fox Rugby stats is third for run metres (he has made the most of any forward) with 268 and their third top tackler with 36.
READ ALSO:
He also has the most tackle busts of the forwards with eight.
Asked about the influence Reds coach Brad Thorn has had, Wilson said he is always giving him little tips.
"Being a forward himself it's awesome to learn from him as much as you can and I guess different parts of my game I know I need to work on, which is some of what he's really good at," he said.
Admitting he does have to pinch himself sometimes when he looks around at the players he now calls team-mates, Wilson said Taniela Tupou and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have also been really good for him.
"I guess Lukhan too being a backrower, he's always giving me tips and keeping me on my toes in a good way," he said.
He is too "always chewing" James O'Connor's ear off.
"The amount of experience he has is awesome and just the little things, like running lines the kind of tips he gives us is so valuable," he said.
Wilson said the group is "super excited" for what will be a big test against an in-form Sharks outfit.
"It was a few weeks working hard for that result (Sunwolves win) but we know we can't just have one good win and go back to the losing ways," he said.
He will again wear the No.8 jersey while fellow northern product Jock Campbell retains the 15 jersey after producing his best performance of the season against the Sunwolves.
The Inverell junior made 95 metres, seven tackle busts and two line breaks.
The first of the northern contingent in action will be Alex Newsome. The Glen Innes native will start at outside centre Waratahs against the Lions at Parramatta on Friday night.
Quirindi's Brooke Saunders will fly the flag in the weekend's Super W action, with Moree's Ashleigh Walker not named for the Rebels (she came off against the Brumbies with an injury last week) and Claudia Nielsen's RugbyWA side having the bye.
The Rebels tackle the Reds on Saturday afternoon. Saunders has been named to come off the bench.
