Reed still pinching himself over maiden year

Jack Reed admits he’s still pinching himself after a year in which he made his England debut and helped Brisbane to a preliminary NRL final.

The 23-year-old’s maiden season saw him make 27 appearances for the Broncos and play in all of England’s Four Nations fixtures, scoring three tries.

It has been a meteoric rise to fame for the former plasterer, who in 2010 was turning out for Queensland Cup side Norths.

“To get the opportunity to go and play for my country was second to none,” said Reed.

“It was a dream year – you couldn’t explain it any better.

“To get the opportunity to play for the Broncos, and then to have the year that we had.

“To see Locky’s year out and then get to go overseas.

“It was great.”

Reed was unable to spoil Darren Lockyer’s farewell in the Four Nations final as the Kangaroos thrashed England 30-8.

But Reed admits coming up against team-mates Lockyer, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Jharal Yow Yeh was an experience not to be missed.

“It was good fun coming up against the boys,” added Reed.

“You see how they play alongisde you, but to get them to run at you was a bit different.”