Returning from his own injury-enforced stint on the sidelines, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen says the delayed Super Rugby Pacific debut of fellow Queensland front-rower Massimo De Lutiis has been the best thing for the youngster's career.
Toomaga-Allen has been named on the bench for the Reds' Sunday clash with the Crusaders, looking to repeat last year's heroics when they snapped a 25-year drought with victory in Christchurch.
Unbeaten in their two matches this season, Queensland want to prove they are genuine title contenders by continuing to win across the Tasman.
The 34-year-old hasn't played since suffering a twisted knee during pre-season training, athough his return is three weeks ahead of schedule.
His injury opened the way for De Lutiis, 21, who made his Super debut in their first match of the season, after a quad injury robbed him of the chance to earn his first cap last season.
But Toomaga-Allen, who has been capped by New Zealand and Samoa, says the extra time has benefited the 128kg youngster, who has been named in the starting side.
"I think that was really good for him in terms of his development, said Toomaga-Allen, who also spent five years playing in the UK.
"We're stereotyped as props - hit rucks, scrum hard - but the game's developed, and I think him being on the sideline has helped his rugby IQ.
"It's easy for me to say, because I've been around the world and I've done this for so long but him ... seeing the game through a different lens, not playing the game, but watching the game analytically, was a great step for him.
"And now he's transferring that."
De Lutiis was a shock inclusion in the Joe Schmidt's first Wallabies training camp in January, putting him in the mix for a Test call-up.
Toomaga-Allen said his teammate had continued to work hard rather than have his head turned by the early praise.
"He's a very humble kid - I know his family and met his parents and stuff and I've tried to take them under my wing, so to speak," Toomaga-Allen said.
"But he's very grounded and always wanting to learn and I think that's his biggest asset, just always wanting to learn and not know everything, given the hype.
"It's hard for a young kid not to read into social media and media in general ... as a front-rower, you've got to earn your stripes I think he's doing pretty well."
Sitting second on the ladder heading into the round, the Reds flew on to New Zealand after their win over the Western Force to ensure they could hit the ground running.
Despite being back in ninth, Toomaga-Allen said the Crusaders, who have won 14 titles, would be a big challenge on their home deck.
"You've got to pay respect where respect is due and the Crusaders have been a formidable force over the years so it's important not to overlook them.
"With the forward pack in particular, it's always a good clash, it's a measure of where you're at as a team, anytime you play the Crusaders."
