McKenzie: Reds rivalry healthy

Reds Director of Coaching Ewen McKenzie said competition is "fierce" between players pushing to earn their place in the starting team.

The Reds are currently preparing for trial matches against the Blues in Toowoomba on Saturday, February 2 and defending champion Chiefs on the Sunshine Coast on Friday, February 8.

The encounter against the Blues in Toowoomba will be the first opportunity to stars like playmaker Quade Cooper - who will be calling the shots in the No.10 jersey.

The Reds will return to the Sunshine Coast six days later when McKenzie's squad puts the finishing touches on their pre-season preparations with a blockbuster encounter against the Chiefs.

"During the next fortnight our entire squad has the chance to reap the rewards of the hard work they've put in during months of preseason activity by taking an opportunity that will be presented to them during our two trial matches," McKenzie said.

"We have created an environment where there is healthy competition across every position and it's now up to each individual to put their best foot forward and push their case for selection.

"There is a huge incentive for those that perform to earn their spot during the opening two rounds against the Brumbies and Waratahs, with our match against New South Wales on February 23 also a chance to play in-front of a packed out Suncorp Stadium crowd."