Multi-skilled halfback Ben Lucas is yet to cement Queensland's No.9 jersey but has already thrown down the gauntlet to Luke Burgess for the Wallabies role.

Lucas will be one of the leading challengers to NSW revelation Burgess's hold on the Test role as both enter just their second Super 14 seasons this weekend.

Although Lucas declared an open race for the Australian job after Burgess failed to "nail down" the position on the Wallabies spring tour, the Reds' 21-year-old is in an early battle of his own.

Superb displays by Will Genia in three pre-season trials has left Queensland coach Phil Mooney with a selection dilemma at halfback.

But Mooney is still expected to start with Lucas, who made a remarkably quick transition from five-eighth last season, over Genia against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Although Burgess impressed with his pace and attacking capabilities for the Waratahs and Australia after the retirement of George Gregan, he himself admitted he failed with his passing game on the Wallabies tour.

Lucas debuted for Australia A in 2008 after being a surprise all-round star for the Reds and believes halfbacks around the country - including the Brumbies Josh Holmes, NSW back-up Brett Sheehan and Force recruit Josh Valentine - have spied a possible opening.

"Definitely. You can't get too far ahead of yourself but there's no person that has just nailed down that position," he told AAP.

"Luke played really well last year and made a name for himself during the Super 14 but each year is a different year and you have to put the form on the board in the Super 14 and things will go from there.

"Things have moved on (from Gregan) and there's a lot of good young halfbacks vying for the position now so it's very exciting.

"I'm definitely more confident but I've still got a lot to learn."

Lucas flew to Pretoria on Monday as one of the bulk of the Reds 26-man squad who harbour no scars from Queensland's record 92-3 loss in their last visit to Loftus Versfeld.

Only five survivors remain from the 2007 Eddie Jones side - Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Brando Va'aulu, Peter Hynes and Sean Hardman - which conceded 13 tries against the Bulls.

While Queensland beat the Force 22-19 in their last trial, the Bulls enter the season-opener with two pre-season losses against the Sharks (39-9) and Cheetahs (20-16).

But the home side will start strong favourites, especially with Victor Matfield back from his stint with French club Toulon and halfback Fourie Du Preez calling the shots behind an all-Springbok pack.

Mooney admitted Lucas's goalkicking skills would help him keep his spot for a head-to-head battle with du Preez.

"He has got that experience behind him now after playing for Australia A and did very well for the Reds so its important he now builds on some really good momentum he has created," Mooney said.

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