World Cup No.13 Jordan Petaia (shoulder) is injured, while Waratahs gun Izaia Perese has signed to play in England next year.
Flook’s developing partnership with Hunter Paisami could stand him in good stead in the Wallabies reckoning. Credit: Albert Perez/Getty Images
Brumbies No.13 Len Ikitau is an obvious contender, but the all-round skill set of Flook and his partnership with the rampaging Hunter Paisami is a compelling option.
“Yeah, you want to be able to take that step at some stage,” Flook said.
“I’ve matured as a player, have a bit more of a leadership role and started to find my voice, and … he (Paisami) is one of the best players in the comp at the moment – makes my life easier.”
The 22-year-old is set for his 50th Super game in Saturday’s penultimate regular-season round, against Western Force in Brisbane.
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Winger Suliasi Vunivalu will miss the clash, copping a one-game suspension after his pair of trips earned him a red card against the Drua.
Victory would lock in fifth place and a knockout quarter-final against the Chiefs in New Zealand, while also jeopardising the ninth-placed Force’s own finals hopes.
The Reds beat the Crusaders in Christchurch this season for the first time since 1999, beat the Chiefs in Brisbane and have lost games to the Blues, Hurricanes and Brumbies by a converted try or less.
“We just want to do the best we can, ” Flook said.
“We’ve set no markers, but we’ve had some good games against (top-four sides) the Blues, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Chiefs.
“If you have a good game on the day, you know you’re going to go close.
“If we go across there (to New Zealand) we’ll take on that competition and love it.”
AAP
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