AUSTRALIA'S RISING STAR

Promising youngster Berrick Barnes is considered to be an exceptionally talented all-rounder, who began his career as a junior representative in both rugby union and rugby league. He is a product of Reds junior programs, having played for Ipswich Grammar School alongside Reds flyhalf Nic Berry.

Barnes has the rare honour of having worn an Australian green and gold jumper before playing a first grade game. This happened in October 2004 he caught the attention of many in the rugby world when he played hooker for the Kangaroos against the Kumuls in Townsville

The young player signed with the Brisbane Broncos' NRL squad in 2004, and debuted with the team in Season 2005. However, his career was soon to take a serious change of direction. In June 2005 it was announced that Barnes had signed a two-year contract with the Queensland Reds and would be leaving the Brisbane Broncos and rugby league at the end of the season to join the Super 14 rugby union competition.

Barnes made his Super 14 debut for the Queensland Reds in February 2006 when the team took on arch rivals the Waratahs.

Barnes made his international debut aged 21 in Australia's first match of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, against Japan. With his first touch of the ball, Barnes scored his first Test try.

Berrick Barnes was born on May 28, 1986, in Brisbane, and his position of choice is flyhalf.