Curtis Browning is looking to establish himself at the Queensland Reds. Picture: Philip Norrish Source: Philip Norrish / News Limited
CURTIS Browning's rugby exploits were featured 11 times in The Courier-Mail before he graduated from high school.
Perhaps it was to be expected. After all, Browning's grandfather defined rugby union.
Browning captained University's first grade team as a teenager and, now 20, he is set to show why he is considered a future Wallabies captain.
Browning is primed to be the breakout star of Australia's Super Rugby franchises when the Queensland Reds to unleash him this season.
He is fighting for one of three backrow positions in the Reds team for their opening clash with the ACT Brumbies next month.
The Brumbies rated Browning so highly they tried to poach him last year, offering a ridiculous salary for a man with one Super Rugby game to his name.
The offer could not break his bond to Queensland.
The wild-haired No.6 is a bullocking ball runner and his ability to play all three backrow positions means he is in line for at least a bench spot in Richard Graham's inaugural line-up.
Browning has the blood of rugby royalty in his veins.
Curtis Browning shows off Queensland Reds' new strip while Nick Frisby models a 1900s style outfit. Picture: Liam Kidston. Source: News Limited
He is the grandson of former Wallabies centre Dick Marks, a man known as "Mr Rugby'' because he helped draft the International Rugby Board's "Charter of the Game''.
It is an inspiring lineage to live up to but Browning, a humble and laid-back character with a Ned Kelly beard, just wants to prove he deserves the hype.
"Everyone aspires to be in the first team and I am no different,'' Browning said.
"I have really enjoyed being able to do a full pre-season and learn so much off the boys.
"I want to get a few games under my belt, but really it is about getting experience. I just want to be around the squad and get as much out of it as I can.
"We have depth across the whole 15 and it is pushing everyone. Competition brings out the best in people.''
Browning has enviable drive. A full time Reds player, he is also studying commerce at University of Queensland and has created a successful business.
Curtis Browning is committed to Queensland after overtures from the Brumbies. Picture: Marc Robertson Source: News Limited
Browning co-founded Eveva Wholefoods, which sells pre-packaged nutritional meals online.
Graham has marvelled at Browning's rapid development since he became a full-time member of the Reds' squad.
"His physical development over the last three or four months is a credit to him. He's really applied himself,'' Graham said.
"He's very thick-set, very strong and he's working hard on the subtle skills of his game as a backrower and his ability to link with backs.
"I see him as a (blindside flanker) with the ability to play all three positions in the backrow.''
At 190cm and 108kg, Browning's stocky frame has been considered a potential downfall to long-term success in the backrow where specimens usually range from a minimum of 195cm.
But his smaller frame engenders versatility, a quality that has ARU officials excited by his potential.
The Reds' backrow trio for the majority of last year was Ed Quirk in No.6, Liam Gill in No.7 and Jake Schatz in the No.8 jersey.
Browning could fill any of those roles this season, but is mainly challenging for Quirk's jersey.
In fact, Browning is so malleable he was once considered a potential prop.
"That was a little trial which didn't amount to much, not that I'm complaining,'' he said.
"I played half a game of prop in reserve grade and that was that. I'm happy to keep my ears pretty.''
Another goal for Browning will be to feature in the same run on side as former Brisbane State High teammate Chris Feauai-Sautia.
The duo were members of the record-setting First XV that went unbeaten in 2009.
They also set the benchmark for the number of Australian schoolboys to emerge from one high school side.
Browning, Feauai-Sautia, Rohan Saifoloi, Matt Garland, Alo-Emile, Matt Ika and captain Jordan Tuapou all represented Australia from that team.
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