New Zealander Mike Harris says he’s ready for a possible Wallabies debut as five-eighth and goalkicker against Scotland in Newcastle on Tuesday.
The Queensland Reds super-boot is eligible to play for Australia because of his paternal grandmother and he says it’s something he’s had his sights on ever since Reds coach Ewen McKenzie brought him across the Tasman two years ago.
With Quade Cooper still in the early stages of his return from a serious knee operation and Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor unavailable through injury, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has a major five-eighth shortage on his hands.
New Zealand Under-20 representative Harris has rocketed into contention this week to wear the No.10 or 12 jersey against Scotland, especially with Deans needing to weigh saving Berrick Barnes for the first Test against Wales in Brisbane four days later.
The 23-year-old Harris said on Thursday he’s ready for the challenge of a Test debut, and he’d relish the goalkicking duties as well as the playmaking role.
“There’s been a few injuries in the 10 jersey so hopefully it’s not cursed but hopefully if I get a chance I can give it a crack,” said Harris, who is with the Wallabies train-on squad in Sydney.
“(Goal kicking) is one thing I’d definitely put my hand up for.
“I’ve enjoyed goal kicking ever since I was young and I’ve put the hard work in there and done as much as I can to be honest so if that comes along I’ve love to kick.”
Harris set the Super Rugby all-time record earlier this year when he booted 24 straight successful shots at goal.
And presently, the sharp-shooter is at 15 straight goals and eyeing off a chance to break his own record.