Rugby: Radar-boot reinforces the Reds

Mike Harris is kicking goals at 94 per cent accuracy. Photo / Getty Images

Mike Harris admits he's no Quade Cooper clone but Queensland's new playmaker threatens to torment the NSW Waratahs as much, possibly more, tonight.

New Zealander Harris, Cooper's five-eighths replacement for the Reds' Super 15 opener at ANZ Stadium, is a radar-boot who can slot penalties from beyond halfway and has missed just one of 24 attempts at goal in 13 matches for the Reds.

In a tight interstate showdown, kicking accuracy often decides the traditional grudge match.

And almost as consequential for the Reds, Harris' sharp-shooting presence amplifies the danger of NSW transgressing at the fiercely contested breakdown within their own half.

Good as excitement machine Cooper was in guiding Queensland to last year's title, he kicked at a mediocre 68 per cent, while Harris slotted eight from eight as backup.

Coach Ewen McKenzie is more than comfortable with what the robust North Harbour product adds and has urged him to play his own lesser-frilled game.

"He'll do it his way and that's what we want him to do," McKenzie said. "He's going to bring some other things to the table.

"He's only missed one shot at goal out of 24 since he's been with us.

"If he kicks at 94 per cent for us on the weekend, that would be brilliant."

The only attempt Harris missed for Queensland was a sideline conversion in the 40-10 trial victory over the Western Force last Thursday.

"He hits them straight all the time," said Reds halfback Will Genia. "It will be good to have that in the side - that you pretty much know when you get a penalty, we're going to get three points.

"Quade always gets the important ones, the ones that matter, but misses the ones that you need to build a lead."

Harris beat fellow No10 triallist Ben Lucas to the playmaking post on his trial form in wins over the Brumbies and Force, finally getting the chance to fill the role he was recruited for in late 2010.

Overlooked by New Zealand franchises after playing in the NPC and at the under-20 World Cup, he made his Super Rugby debut off the bench in the Reds' forgettable 30-6 loss to NSW in round two last year.

Harris then proved a revelation at inside centre as a second playmaker beside Cooper before a serious knee injury ended his season in round 12.

"I'm certainly not going to play like Quade Cooper. I'm going to play like Mike Harris," he said.

"I'm looking forward to it - I can't wait."

- AAP