Reds sign Lance for two years
Queensland Reds Mr Fix-It Jono Lance's whirlwind rise just keeps getting better after the utility back took up a two-year offer from the Super Rugby champions.
Lance, the son of former Canberra Raiders NRL premiership forward Dean, only made his Reds debut last month but played a key role in their 18-13 final triumph over the Crusaders on Saturday night.
A leading Australian sevens player on the world circuit this year, the 21-year-old was called in to start Queensland's last four matches at fullback after injuries struck down Ben Lucas, Mike Harris and Luke Morahan.
Defending in the front line, allowing playmaker Quade Cooper to attack off kick returns, Lance's tough tackling alongside centres Anthony Faingaa and Ben Tapuai kept the dangerous Crusaders backline in check at Suncorp Stadium.
Normally a five-eighth, his ball-playing and strong ball-running also gives the Reds good depth in the playmaking department behind Cooper and Kiwi recruit Harris.
"I've been in the Reds Academy for a few years now and my goal was always to stay in Queensland," Lance said.
"To play with the guys at the end of the season was unreal and I'm now really looking forward to next year."
The Queensland Rugby Union revealed Lance's signing along with Sydney University lock David McDuling, 22, on Wednesday just as the Brumbies announced they had signed fringe Reds backs Ian Prior and Kimami Sitauti.
Another Reds Academy product, halfback Prior was hemmed in behind Will Genia on the Queensland bench while powerful Australian Under-20 winger Sitauti also gained little time for the title-winners.
At 196cm and 115kg, McDuling impressed for the Reds Academy after being lured north following his efforts in Uni's 2010 Shute Shield premiership victory.
"It's pivotal we continue to reward the performances of those within our system and both Jono and David have impressed the organisation enough to earn upgraded contracts," said coach Ewen McKenzie.
"Our Academy has been a proven pathway for players to develop and take their game to the next level and Jono and David are just another two examples of this."
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