Douglas seeing the Reds' side of things

Douglas represented the Reds' rivals, the Waratahs, between 2010 and 2014 before joining Irish province Leinster. In July last year, the 26-year-old decided to sign for the Queensland outfit.

Although he still as a while to go before returning to the playing field after injuring his knee in last year's World Cup Final against New Zealand, Douglas will be casting a keen eye on this weekend's derby. 

"My first ever game was Waratahs versus Reds at Suncorp," said Douglas. 

"They are always big games. Both teams always get up for it and it's going to be physical. 

"It will definitely be weird being on the other side of it, but all the Reds boys are my new teammates now and I hope we can get a win on the weekend."

Despite having a very young squad this year, Douglas believes his new team has what it takes to be competitive this year.

"We got some young guys and we have been trying to improve each week. We will be coming down to do our best and we believe we can do it. 

"The boys have been training hard and just trying to improve each week and be better footy players and be better people. I would love to be out there and I am hoping to be out there as soon as I can.

"The Waratahs are going to be tough – they got some good players and have done well in the last few years. I'm sure the boys will be up for it this weekend."

Douglas is set to miss both Reds/Waratahs matches this year, but the big lock has already set his sights on a meeting with his old team next year.

"The first two Tah games are in the first few weeks of the competition. I am hopefully going to get a few games in before the end of the season and hopefully I can look forward to a Tahs/Reds clash next year.

"It's been tough; I have not had too many injuries so it's a bit weird. Starting at a new team and going straight into the injury group is not the best," Douglas added.