‘Have to be able to deliver’: McLaughlin-Phillips embraces Reds 10 battle

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has featured in every Queensland Reds match so far in Super Rugby Pacific this season, including two starts at 10. With the Reds boasting world-class depth at fly-half, the message for McLaughlin-Phillips is clear: “I have to be able to deliver.”

Wallabies Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh are both challenging McLaughlin-Phillips for a spot in the run-on side, and Flying Fijian Ben Volavola is another fly-half option with extensive club and international rugby experience.

Lynagh spoke with media a couple of months ago about how the fierce battle for the 10 jersey was going to “drive the whole club forward.” McLaughlin-Phillips has so far featured in the starting side twice, while Gordon has been the first-choice 10 on the other three occasions.

Gordon produced match-winning heroics in a rare victory against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra before producing another standout performance against the NSW Waratahs in Brisbane. The Wallabies pivot crossed for two tries against the Tahs, including a crucial score late in the piece.

But last weekend in Lautoka, as the Reds searched for their first-ever win over the Drua in Fiji, McLaughlin-Phillips was named in the First XV. The Australia A representative ran in one try and was otherwise able to register a “complete performance.”

“One thing that [Les Kiss] says is just about owning your readiness. Whenever I get the chance or get called upon, I have to be able to deliver,” McLaughlin-Phillips told reporters.

“That’s sort of been my focus for this year and being all over my detail and worrying about what I can control.

“I’d say that’s my most complete performance [in a Queensland jersey] and to be able to get a good win over [in Lautoka], it was a good feeling.”

The Reds made sure to celebrate Jock Campbell’s 100^th appearance in a Queensland shirt with a performance that will echo throughout the club’s history forever. Lautoka’s Churchill Park is a historically tough place for away teams to win, but the Reds did it without some frontline stars.

Wallabies Gordon, Fraser McReight and Zane Nonggorr were unavailable for the round six clash, with others called on to fill those spots. It was a one-point game at the break in the Reds’ favour, but McLaughlin-Phillips helped steer the visitors to a famous win.

“It was awesome. Obviously, we’ve gone over there four times and that’s our first time we’ve won so it was pretty special to do it,” the fly-half reflected.

“And to do it on a day for Jock Campbell’s 100^th and [Ben Volavola’s] debut, it was pretty cool. It was a pretty cool feeling to get the win and celebrate with the boys.”