5 Mar 2010

McKenzie has confidence in League convert

6:33 am on 5 March 2010

The Queensland Reds coach Ewen McKenzie believes Will Chambers' big-match NRL experience will fortify him for tonight's intimidating Super 14 assault by the red-hot Chiefs in Hamilton.

After three appearances off the bench, Melbourne Storm recruit Chambers will start his first match out of position on the wing due to the Reds' growing injury woes.

The fact he'll oppose All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu makes the assignment even tougher for the 21-year-old who had been earmarked as an outside centre.

Chambers is still finding his feet in the 15-man code, evidenced by his inability to lay a hand on Blues halfback Alby Mathewson, who ran around him for a critical try in the Reds' last-start 27-18 loss.

But McKenzie is confident the 2009 NRL premiership player will handle the step up against the unbeaten Chiefs and will relish opposing their dynamic back three of Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina and Lelia Masaga.

Chambers is one of four changes to the Reds starting team with Wallabies tourist Luke Morahan and Brando Va'aulu joining him in a completely new back three, following injuries to Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane and Rod Davies.