Spooner back in the Reds spotlight
March 28, 2001

Former Wallaby and Reds flyhalf Nathan Spooner takes another step in re-establishing his career when he runs out on Friday against Wallaby and Brumbies pivot Stephen Larkham at Ballymore.

It is the first time in almost two years that Spooner has started in a Super 12 game. His chance came after regular flyhalf Elton Flatley suffered a knee injury against the Canterbury Crusaders last weekend.

Spooner came on during that game and after a shaky start when he struggled to catch the ball, performed soundly and was also on target with the boot with four penalties and a conversion.

Spooner made his Wallaby debut against Ireland in 1999, but then had his career disrupted with a serious groin injury that kept him out of football in 2000. His chance has finally come to again press for permanent inclusion, but he's up against Larkham, who himself is only one game back from injury.

"It's a big test, he's the premier five-eighth in the world at the moment and it will be good to get out there and try and see if we can get a win against these guys," Spooner told AAP. "You've also got George Gregan who's probably the best halfback in the world and the Brumbies are probably the form team of the comp so it will be a very big test, for not only me but for everyone as well."

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