A FOUR-week suspension last night for Reds spark Will Genia has triggered an SOS for third-string squad halfback Brendan McKibbin.
McKibbin is needed for a Super 14 debut against the Waikato Chiefs on March 28.
Genia will miss key matches against the Chiefs, Western Force (April 3) and Otago Highlanders (April 11) after being found guilty of a dangerous, up-ending tackle on Sharks flanker Keegan Daniel in the second half of last Saturday night's rousing 25-13 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
"We're extremely disappointed with the outcome. We're considering our options," Reds coach Phil Mooney said.
Brisbane barrister Mark Martin, Mooney and Reds team manager Brendan Morris flanked halfback Genia when he appeared in front of SANZAR judicial officer Paul Tully at Ballymore.
Video footage of the spearing 2006 tackle which earned Wallaby great George Gregan just a one-game ban was used as part of Genia's defence for a lighter suspension during the two-hour hearing.
An initial six-week sentence was reduced to four because of Genia's blemish-free record over three seasons for Queensland and his junior rugby career.
Although he has started just once in five games, Genia's sticky-fingered hands and slick pass have invariably given the Reds an extra gear when he has run on.
That's on top of his two flick-pass gems to send Digby Ioane over for tries.
He will be sorely missed.
McKibbin, 23, is confident he can answer whatever call comes against the Chiefs. He could even become a shock starter, rather than bench back-up, because top-choice Reds halfback Ben Lucas (ribs) is only touch-and-go to be fit.
"I've been training with the Reds since the pre-season camp (at Casuarina Beach) in January so I'm familiar with the style of play and structures if the team needs me," said McKibbin, who was on-field with the Reds yesterday.
"I'm ready."
Upbeat news late yesterday was the re-signing of bullocking No. 8 Leroy Houston for 2010-11.
It was a strong show of Houston's character to repay the faith that Queensland showed in him in mid-2007 when they signed him as an overweight park footballer who had dropped out of the NSW system.
McKibbin has a career-best 2008 club season for Brothers behind him plus a short-term off-season stint with English club Saracens and positive lead-up rugby in four Reds Academy clashes.
He skippered Brothers to the 2004 Colts premiership and started his grade career as a flanker the following season before realising his physical shortcomings.
"My size and the fact David Croft was playing flanker for Brothers at the time pushed me into the decision to try halfback. I've been learning ever since," McKibbin said.
He plays like a ninth forward at times with his involved, scheming style and has worked tirelessly at sharpening any halfback's main asset ? a quick, consistent pass.
He also offers accurate goalkicking, having scored 261 points for Brothers last year.
