EXCLUSIVE: James O'Connor steps down as Reds co-captain, replaced by Tate McDermott
After helping guide the Queensland Reds to the Super Rugby AU title as co-captain in 2021, fly half James O'Connor won't continue in the formal leadership role in 2022.
The senior Wallaby has opted not to take up the position this season, and Wide World of Sports can reveal scrum base partner Tate McDermott will be unveiled as co-captain alongside Liam Wright tomorrow morning.
McDermott is one of the brightest young stars in Australian rugby, and after earning his first starting jersey for the Wallabies last year, has now become one of the hottest players on the planet.
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Tate McDermott of the Reds scores a try against the Sunwolves. Getty
Still just 23, the golden haired half is an automatic pick in Brad Thorn's starting side and is expected to carrying the bulk of the captaincy duties, with Wright in a fierce battle to work his way into the Queensland XV.
After missing a large part of last season through injury, Wright found himself behind Angus Scott-Young, Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight in the backrow ranks.
With New Zealand provincial experience now under his belt, Scott-Young has added to his armoury, making Wright's task even harder.
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Reds coach Brad Thorn and captain Liam Wright. Stan
McDermott is highly regarded among the Reds coaching staff for his fierce competitiveness and work ethic.
Rising to his first senior leadership position still in his early 20s, McDermott could captain the Reds for a decade and will now come in to calculations for future Wallabies leadership roles.
