Queensland rugby coach Phil Mooney says the revised Super 14 laws could transform the ailing Reds from wooden spooners into title threats.
The Super 14 competition will adopt a revised version of rugby's Experimental Law Variations for the coming season, with the changes aimed at speeding up the game and promoting the running rugby that has largely gone AWOL at the top level.
Some of the new laws include backlines being five metres back from the scrum, quick throw-ins can go backwards towards a team's goal line and free kicks instead of penalties for all offences other than offside and foul play.
Mooney joined rival coaches last week at the SANZAR conference and believes the changes will not only benefit frustrated fans but the Reds, who are coming off the worst season in Queensland rugby history.
Mooney, who has taken over from Eddie Jones, says the Reds squad is a good fit for the new laws and could become a "dangerous commodity" if the likes of speedster Digby Ioane take full advantage of the predicted open spaces.
"I think it will be a good fit for us. We've got Digby, Chris Latham, Clinton Schifcofske - guys of that ilk are very good from broken play and there will be more of that," Mooney said.
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