Former Northern Suburbs skipper Ben Matwijow is closing in on making his Super Rugby debut after being signed by the Queensland Reds as cover for injured Wallabies lock Kane Douglas.

Following another strong Shute Shield season, the 26-year old lock crossed the ditch late last year to help Canterbury claim the ITM Cup, before returning to Australia to join the Reds ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Ben. His effort and work ethic is fantastic and he sees this as a genuine opportunity for him to play Super Rugby,” Reds coach Richard Graham told Rugby News.

“Kane’s (Douglas) injury was obviously a big disappointment for us, but it has created an opportunity for Ben so it will be interesting to see what he can do with it.”

With Rob Simmons and Cadeyrn Neville set to be given first crack at the Reds starting lock positions, Matwijow will battle 20-year old giant Lukhan Tui for a spot on the Reds bench when the Super Rugby season kicks off next weekend.

“It’s great to see a guy like that get a chance after working so hard for so long. A player like Ben adds so much to a squad so I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity this year,” injured prop James Slipper added.

“He’s going exceptionally well. He is one of those players that knows his job and does it. He doesn’t take short cuts and is just one of those grafting players that works hard for his teammates.”

Following the departures of a handful of senior players after last year’s World Cup, the less experienced members of the Reds squad may play a key role in the sides 2016 Super Rugby campaign.

“The perfect scenario would be to blend one or two into the side but depending on what happens,  we may not be able to do that this year so we are working hard to make the most of it,” Graham said.

“I’ve got to say all of the young guys that have come into the program have impressed me. Through their urgency, attitude and aspiration and you can tell that they want to play Super Rugby and they want to play it well.

“In saying that they all have a lot to learn and have a long way to go to fully understanding what Super Rugby is about but I’m certainly impressed with how they’ve started.”

The Reds begin their 2016 season against the Waratahs in Sydney next Saturday night.