Fraser McReight knows the power of inspiration because he was a 12-year-old kid in the stands at Suncorp Stadium when the Queensland Reds enjoyed their greatest victory over the Crusaders.
It was July 9, 2011 when captain James Horwill led the Reds to an 18-13 triumph over the Kiwis in the final in front of 52,113 roaring fans.
McReight was one of those impressionable fans so it was a cool feeling to have 2011 final hero Digby Ioane visit training today ahead of another blockbuster against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Hooker James Hanson, winger Peter Hynes and assistant coach Jim McKay were also in attendance today. A bigger throng, including Scott Higginbotham, Saia and Anthony Faingaa, Radike Samo and Jake Schatz, will celebrate a 15-year reunion at the game for the 2011 champions.
"I do have sort of memories of 2011. I was there at the final in the stands as a 12-year-old," Reds skipper McReight said.
"You look back now at flashbacks and hype reels of Digby's try and the Willy (Genia) try as a key turning point.
"I just remember the crowd and everyone talking about the Queensland Reds and how positive it was around rugby here in Queensland. Everyone was happy.
"That's something that always resonates...making our fans happy to support us. As a young fan, I loved going to every game. They were big moments in my youth going to Suncorp to watch games.
"Hopefully we are now returning that favour to juniors, mums and dads and for everyone."
Flanker McReight feels the Reds have regrouped strongly from last weekend's loss to the Western Force to be in the right shape to take on the Crusaders on Saturday night.
"It's been a really productive week. There was plenty to work on but I feel we have really delivered on what we wanted to focus on," McReight said.
"When you look at a game that's not gone your way, what turns out to be wrong is your fundamentals, your basics. We've got back to those."
Just as the Anthony Faingaa-Ben Tapuai centre pairing had a major say on the 2011 final by outplaying Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Fruean, there is a classic centre match-up in store on Saturday night.
Wallabies Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook are up against classy Crusaders duo David Havili and Leicester Fainga'anuku in the centres.
"The Crusaders are a world-class team. Leicester is pretty deadly as a big carrier and defender. It should be a really exciting match-up in the centres," McReight said.
McReight paid tribute to winger Filipo Daugunu ahead of his 100th Super Rugby game.
"Filipo is outstanding. He dominates in everything he does. He might seem quiet but he's a real character in our dressing room," McReight said.
