Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn has dropped a surprise with his choice of captain for the 2020 Super Rugby season, naming young flanker Liam Wright as Samu Kerevi’s replacement.

Wallabies lock Izack Rodda loomed as the obvious successor to Kerevi, now playing in Japan, but Thorn instead opted for the 22-year-old rising star.

Wright has played 28 games for the Reds and made his Wallabies debut in the loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park last year.

His leadership experience includes captaining the Queensland under-20s to a national title in 2017 before piloting Queensland Country to National Rugby Championship glory in the same year.

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Liam Wright of the Reds takes on the defence at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Getty Images

“He deserves his chance to lead Queensland this season,” Thorn said.

“He’s a genuine and intelligent guy.

“He has the respect of the playing group.

“Liam’s the type of player that others want to play for.”

With David Pocock now retired, the South Africa-born Wright is likely to feature heavily for the Wallabies under new coach Dave Rennie.

But his focus is now very much on returning the once proud Reds to the finals in 2020.

“It’s a huge honour to be named as captain,” Wright said.

“Having the chance to lead this team of Queenslanders is a massive privilege and very special.

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Reds appoint Wright captain 1:07

“We are lucky to have a lot of experienced leaders in the squad who will support me and the rest of our group in the role, both on and off the field.

“I also understand how important it is to be representing the rich heritage and strength of rugby in Queensland.

“A lot of the players within our squad have come through the Queensland pathway together, so it’s humbling to be chosen to lead this group of players and close mates who have been together for quite some time now.”

Queensland will play pre-season games against the Rebels in Gladstone on January 17 and the Waratahs in Dalby on January 24.