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Gollings out to land a Reds contract

Friday 29th August 2008

Thumbs up: Gollings is hoping he can impress the Reds staff

With Australian Super 14 sides opening their doors to foreign stars Queensland Reds look set to become the first side to make a signing.

England Sevens legend Ben Gollings could well be in line to secure a contract with the Reds ahead of the 2009 Super 14 season.

Gollings was the first ever player to reach 1,500 points in IRB Sevens and still holds the record for all-time leading points scorer.

Reds coach Phil Mooney included Gollings in the squad for their tour of Ireland and France, stating that it would double as a trial for next season.

"We actually had a couple of late withdrawals and Benny is an old, experienced footballer so we've basically bought him along to give us a bit of experience and I guess effectively trial him for one of those overseas positions," Mooney told AAP.

Currently playing with Sunnybank, Gollings spent last season in Japan playing for Toyota Shokki, having previously had spells with Harlequins, Newcastle and Worcester.

Gollings started at fly-half in the Reds' first game on tour against Ulster, although he was rested for the second game against Connacht.

A decision will not be made straight away on Gollings' future, but by the time the Reds return to Australia he may well become the first of several foreign players to secure Super 14 contracts in Australia.