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JAMES O'Connor is bursting to take out his frustration by making his Reds debut at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night when coach Richard Graham must thrust him into the problem playmaking role.
The 44-Test Wallaby's utility value has never been more crucial because the disappointing Reds need a major shake-up to get things right against the Western Force, who rattled them twice into tight losses last season.
Ditching the Karmichael Hunt experiment at No. 10 after just one game would be no knock on him because it was only ever a fill-in assignment and the Reds backline stocks have been scrambled again.
Losing fullback Jamie-Jerry Taulagi with a knee ligament injury and replacement flyhalf Duncan Paia'aua to a head knock was the fallout in Canberra last Friday night beyond the multiple deficiencies shown in the lame 47-3 tumble to the ACT Brumbies.
Karmichael Hunt debuted at No. 10 for the Reds in the loss to the Brumbies. Source: Getty Images
Inserting prize recruit O'Connor at No. 10 would give Hunt the extra room to operate as a passing linkman, opportunist and runner from fullback where he is far better suited at this stage of his rugby education.
The closest O'Connor got to the action in Canberra, as a spectator in the Reds camp, was being all set to run out the kicking tee to Hunt when no one seemed in a hurry to get one to him.
He hasn't played since before Christmas because of a knee injury picked up with French club Toulon but feels last week's progress at training has him on the brink.
"I'm hoping I'll get the all-clear (on Monday) to fully train with the team and prepare for my first game with the Reds," O'Connor said.
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"It was tough watching the team from the sidelines on Friday night and not being able to contribute so hopefully I get my opportunity against the Force next Saturday."
O'Connor outlined his discussions with Graham when he signed on with the Reds were angled around a wing role.
"Richard and I were open with everyone from the beginning about my best fit for the team being on the wing roaming but I am more than excited to just get out there and play wherever he and the team needs me," O'Connor said.
"If that's at No. 10 at the moment or wing or fullback then I'll do my job the best I can. I have played a number of positions at Test and Super Rugby level and am confident I'll be able to handle whatever is asked of me."
James O'Connor is itching to make his debut for the Reds. Source: News Corp Australia
Graham admitted he had some thinking to do to piece together the right backline mix.
The Reds desperately needed two playmakers at flyhalf and fullback to best unlock power runners Samu Kerevi, Chris Feauai-Sautia and Chris Kuridrani.
"Absolutely, I'll consider James's case as a No. 10 but I also wouldn't judge K in the position just on Canberra when there were 15 players in Reds jerseys under pressure that night," Graham said.
Graham might also consider keeping Hunt at No. 10, playing Lachie Turner at fullback and O'Connor as a livewire, roaming winger.
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