Queensland find their locks have all bolted

If you thought New Zealand had a lock problem, take a look at Queensland - not so long ago one of the most powerful provincial sides in the world but now struggling to put together a competitive team to take on the Junior All Blacks in their tour opener on Wednesday.

With Nathan Sharpe, Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor, John Roe, Hugh McMeniman and Stephen Moore on Wallaby duty and Australian under-21 talent in Argentina, the Reds may also lose winger Peter Hynes with a hamstring injury and lock Rudi Vedelago with an elbow knock.

Sharpe, McMeniman and Vedelago have been the three first-choice locks for the Reds during this year's Super 12 although both Sharpe and Vedelago are now joining Western Force for the new Super 14.

They are just two of 11 players the Reds franchise will lose this year - the most notable including Sharpe, winger Sailor and loose forward Daniel Heenan (to the Brumbies to replace Owen Finegan).

They surprised further this week by axing former Wallaby prop Nick Stiles (93 Queensland appearances and 12 test caps) at a time when experienced player stocks in Queensland rugby are at an all-time low.

Stiles and several other Reds will play their final match for Queensland against the Junior All Blacks, who boast 18 full All Blacks in their ranks.

However, it is not all bad news on the selection front as Wallaby coach Eddie Jones has given the nod for international first five-eighths Elton Flatley to make his return against the Juniors, while also releasing winger/centre Ben Tune, winger/fullback Drew Mitchell and prop Greg Holmes from Wallaby training.

But the Reds are still reeling from their annus horribilis and further blows have struck them even as they are negotiating with former Wallaby No 8 Toutai Kefu to return home from Japan.

The Reds were also desperate enough to contact former team stalwarts Mark Connors, Matt Cockbain and Sam Cordingley to strengthen a weakened squad - although none are likely to be in the frame to meet the Juniors.

In another blow, the Reds have lost their major sponsor as the Bank of Queensland said its nine-season sponsorship would finish after this year, leaving a $4m hole in the Reds' finances.

Managing director of the Bank of Queensland, David Liddy, said the company would be putting more of its sponsorship dollars into its new markets in Victoria and NSW.

The only good news for Queensland was the signing of Brisbane Broncos tyro Berrick Barnes, who has played just two NRL matches for the franchise.

Barnes, a first five-eighths, has been compared to Queensland and Kangaroo rugby league legend Wally Lewis and was regarded as a star in the making in the rival code.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY