Houston: Not expecting much
One of the most popular players in the Premiership side Bath, Houston has recently signed a contract to return to the Brisbane outfit for two seasons.
Despite being part of the Reds 2011 Super Rugby winning side, Houston is solely focused on cementing a place in the team.
"I don’t have any expectations I just want to make the starting XV week in and week out. For now, that may be a selfish goal.
"There will always be expectations lingering around but for me personally, it is not that big of the deal," Houston told reporters.
Houston comes into a back row group that also includes 111-Test player George Smith, Japanese international Hendrik Tui, young star Caleb Timu and Reds hero Scott Higginbotham, which provides head coach Nick Stiles a great range to select from.
"It is awesome to have depth in the squad, Scott [Higginbotham] and other boys like Caleb [Timu] just push us to do better for that starting spot and is beneficial to the team.
"I do consider myself a No.8 despite being able to play openside flank, I feel like there are well-structured players in that position already so I consider myself an eight. However, if Stiles prefer to play me in any other positions I would take it," Houston added.
Having been at Bath for three years, the No.8 is not quick to rule out an return to the Premiership.
"Overseas rugby will always be an option, you never know where you would end up after two seasons. There are highs and lows all over the park and I am never going to say no to overseas because they have done so much for me but for now my focus is on the Reds.
"It is an exciting time in the camp, with the mixture of young and old blokes," he added.
Meanwhile, teammate Higginbotham is delighted to reconnect with coach Stiles again. Higginbotham recently represented the 2015 National Rugby Championship winners Brisbane City, playing under Stiles.
"I used to play in the NRC so I know a lot of the coaches and player. Coming back there is a lot of good memories, but I am not looking to relive them I am just looking forward to making new ones," Higginbotham stated.
Since their last 2011 success, the Reds have struggled in highly competitive Super rugby tournament.
And despite the return of experienced players like Cooper and Houstan, Higginbotham acknowledged that the Reds still have a long journey ahead if they want to return to those glory days.
"Winning it the first time was special and nothing will compete with that. Winning it again would be great but there’s a lot of work to be done before that’s even a consideration," he said.
The Reds open their 2017 Super Rugby season against the Sharks on February 24 at Suncorp Stadium.
