Harry Hockings’ name might be nothing but a faint memory in Australia, but the lock’s stocks in Japan continue to rise.
The 26-year-old, who left the Queensland Reds in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, once again turned heads in the Japanese League One competition over the weekend.
The former Junior Wallaby was superb in his side’s upset 33-14 win against Shizuoka Blue Revs that saw Suntory Sungoliath move into third in Conference B, behind Robbie Deans’ Wild Knights and Kubota Spears.
The visitors scored the final three tries, including one to Hockings, after former NRL player Valynce Te Whari had opened the scoring for the Blue Revs. The one-time Dolphins winger ran 95 metres for the fourth try of his maiden Japanese season.
But it was Hockings who turned up the heat against the Blue Revs, making 18 tackles, 12 runs, including four offloads, scored a try and set up another.
The Roar understands Hockings qualifies for Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms over the next 12 months, with the 206cm giant, who had interest from AFL scouts, set to stay in Japan.
It’s a devastating blow for Australian rugby given former Reds coaches Brad Thorn and Nick Stiles believes Hockings was the type of player who could play 100 Tests for the Wallabies.
“He’s a player that is incredibly athletic,” Stiles said of Hockings in mid-2017. “He’s got a real toughness for someone who is only 18 years of age that I haven’t seen in a long time.
“You’ve got people like Brad Thorn, who has done absolutely everything, predicting he could be a 100-game Wallaby,
“That’s a big statement to be making, but he’s a quality person and a quality footballer.
“I think he’ll be playing Super Rugby sooner than what everyone expects.”
Former Reds young gun Harry Hockings had a day out for Sungoliath against Shizuoka Blue Revs. Photo: Japanese League One
Hockings, who was selected by former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen for the an unofficial World XV against Eddie Jones’ Barbarians in May 2023, started in the second-row alongside former Wallaby Sean McMahon, who had another strong outing at blindside flanker.
Two-time NRL premiership winner Joseph Manu didn’t have to look far for inspiration in terms of what he needs to do if he is to master his new code.
Manu’s sixth game of rugby union ended in defeat when Verblitz lost to the Yokohama Eagles in Japan Rugby League One on Saturday.
The Eagles were led to their 24-20 victory by Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel, who gave his novice opponent a lesson, scoring one try and playing a hand in setting up two others.
Although Verblitz have been boosted by the arrival of Michael Hooper, the game came too soon for the ex-Wallaby skipper to be involved, as he resumes his career after a two-year break.
Verblitz are eighth on the 12-team table.
Former Reds young gun Harry Hockings had a day out for Sungoliath against Shizuoka Blue Revs. Photo: Japanese League One
Saitama Wild Knights are unbeaten and warmed up for next weekend’s top-of-the-table clash against Brave Lupus by overrunning Samu Kerevi’s Urayasu D-Rocks, 53-26.
Despite Kerevi providing some touches of class in his first appearance since the second round, D-Rocks were no match for last year’s beaten finalists and remain winless.
Brave Lupus, who have lost just once in their past 15 matches, prepared for the grand final rematch with a comfortable 35-12 win over Mie Heat on Sunday.
All Black Brodie Retallick scored a try, but also received a yellow card, in the Kobe Steelers’ 44-15 stroll against Black Rams Tokyo.
The Kobe skipper went off for a professional foul, but later burst through some flimsy defence on a 30-metre run for his fifth try of the season.
Dave Rennie’s men are sixth after back-to-back wins, but level on points with Shizuoka Blue Revs.
Despite a poor goal-kicking display in the absence of Wallaby Bernard Foley, Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay were untroubled by Sagamihara Dynaboars, winning 40-12 to move into the top four.
Meanwhile, Will Harrison had a day out for Kintetsu Liners, who moved up to third in Division Two following a 31-19 win over NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu today.
Harrison, who started ahead of former Wallaby Quade Cooper, kicked five out of six for 15 points, proving difference after the two sides both scored three tries.
With AAP
