Honeymoon over for Wallabies flyer Hynes
The honeymoon is over for Wallabies flyer Peter Hynes - on and off the field.
Back after holidaying with his new wife, Hynes admits he is feeling the heat in his first week back training with the Queensland Reds under new coach Ewen McKenzie.
But Hynes, 27, couldn't be more excited about returning to the paddock, with a switch to fullback looming in 2010.
Hynes would have been forgiven for wanting to get away from all things rugby by the end of 2009.
He was unwittingly embroiled in controversy when teammate Quade Cooper was arrested last month on burglary charges after earlier attending Hynes' buck's night.
But after enjoying his Christmas break honeymooning on Hamilton Island, Hynes hit the ground running on his return to training along with the rest of the Reds' international contingent this week.
And with the expected challenge of switching from the wing to No.15 this season, Hynes has an added spring in his step.
With 2009 fullback Mark McLinden retiring in the off-season, McKenzie says he will use Wallabies winger Hynes at fullback during their pre-season trials.
The Reds play their first trial against McKenzie's former team NSW in Lismore on January 23.
While that match is tipped to boast fringe players, McKenzie has confirmed Hynes will run out as fullback against the Crusaders in their January 29 trial at Ballymore.
Despite a successful spring tour with the Wallabies on the wing, Hynes said he would be willing to make the positional switch for the Reds if required.
Indeed Hynes has plenty to think about in 2010 - off-contract next season, the 22-Test Wallaby is reportedly in the sights of new franchise the Melbourne Rebels.
But first he has to survive McKenzie's "physical approach" to pre-season training.
"It's always pretty tough the first week coming back, but the boys are training really well and they're looking good out there," Hynes smiled.
Despite the off-field distraction leading into their first season under McKenzie, Hynes said: "Everyone's optimistic, I think that's the only way to be.
"It's about keeping positive and working hard, and if you do that you give yourself the best chance to go well.
"We came 12th last year, so we've got a lot of things to work on.
"It's just a matter of getting our principles in place and making sure we execute them."
Hynes joined the remainder of Queensland's Wallabies - Reds captain James Horwill, halfback Will Genia and centre Digby Ioane - back at training this week.
Fellow Wallaby Cooper had made his high profile return to training last week.
Hynes predicted a massive Reds improvement in 2010 but warned: "I don't think we're going to reinvent the wheel.
"We're just going to try to do the simple things right and hopefully that works for us.
"I think they (supporters) see a few Wallabies in the backs and think we're going to throw it around willy-nilly like we have the last few years and I think that's a mistake.
"We've got some really good forwards, some really good young guys who are going to put their hand up."
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