Bulldozing No.8 Leroy Houston is set to ensure Queensland's Super 14 stocks continue to rise when he re-signs for two more years.

Houston has been among the leading performers as the Reds stamped themselves as the competition's thrill-seekers with a high-risk but effective attacking game.

The 22-year-old former Waratah produced arguably his best game since being thrown a lifeline in late 2007 with a starring role in the 23-15 upset of the Sharks on Saturday night.

Houston's career lay in tatters three years ago after walking away from NSW when he failed to cope with expectations that came with a professional contract and a Wallabies tour call-up.

But he quickly turned his fortunes around with the Reds under Phil Mooney last year and has continued to exceed expectations.

So much so, the Queensland Rugby Union will upgrade his contract when he signs on to the end of 2011, when they believe he will be in the thick of Wallabies World Cup calculations.

QRU high-performance manager Ben Whitaker likened Houston's size, power and skilful off-loading game to All Black No.8s Rodney So'oialo and Sione Lauaki.

"He's got a long way to go to be the best he can be but once he hits that mark he's going to be pretty good," Whitaker told AAP.

"He knows that people here show a lot of faith in him and I thought that 45 minutes against the Sharks was outstanding. That was high-level stuff that.

"We quietly talk about him being of international standard one day and I think that performance just shows the level he can get to, he just has to get a bit more consistency."

In an extra boost to Queensland, former loose-head Test prop Greg Holmes is also poised to agree on a new deal to stay at Ballymore.

The Reds' round five victory over the previously-unbeaten Sharks couldn't have come at a better time to help retain their off-contract stars.

Wallabies James Horwill, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane and Hugh McMeniman have recently started negotiations with the ARU and the Reds will have competition from local rivals and abroad to keep the key quartet.

They also have Queensland products Richard Brown and Drew Mitchell, off contract at the Western Force, on the top of their recruitment wish list.

Whittaker believed the Reds' attractive style, after five years as stumbling cellar-dwellers, would help at the negotiating table.

"You've got wingers scoring tries and setting up tries and I think we have all position is covered in showcasing skills and that's how we present to the players," Whitaker said.

"We like to show that the way we're playing is not a fluke and there is method to the madness."

Queensland also hold hope marquee New Zealand recruit Daniel Braid will extend his stay with a decision to be made this month but have cooled on thoughts of allowing him to play in Japan before the 2010 Super 14.

The Reds have a Super 14 bye this weekend.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP