Locked-in Red Brial joins queue for Test backrow chance

Wallabies son-of-a-gun Joe Brial wants to join in his dad in gold after establishing himself at the Queensland Reds and committing until at least 2028.

The 24-year-old on Monday confirmed a two-year contract extension at Ballymore and has an eye on the side's Super Rugby Pacific season home opener on Friday against the Highlanders.

Brial's father Michael played 13 Tests for his country as a combustible backrower in the 1990s.

Sydney-born Joe has represented Australia at high school and under-18 level and also boasts New Zealand under-20s experience as a product of the Crusaders Academy.

He has taken his chances when injury hit the Reds' star-studded backrow, playing 14 times last year and now commanding selection since injury-plagued former Wallabies captain Liam Wright's exit.

One of the Reds' best in an opening round loss to the NSW Waratahs, Brial credits the influence of Wright as he eyes more.

"It's taken a bit of time to nail down a position in the 23 but that time, you could say grinding, has benefited me," he said.

"For sure, Wallaby gold is something I have sights for, but that starts here at the Reds trying to make myself better.

"I don't control selection, so I just focus on myself and the team."

He has company, with Waratahs flankers Pete Samu and Charlie Gamble in fine form and fit-again ACT Brumbies backrower Charlie Cale among the competition's form players this season pushing to unseat Test incumbents.

The Reds' backrow consists of world-class No.7 Fraser McReight and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, who could return after off-season knee surgery, in the No.8 on Friday.

"The quality of backrowers, especially at the Reds here with Harry, Fraser and Liam Wright the last couple of years ... to learn off that, it's been amazing," Brial said.

The Reds had a second-round bye, giving them time to dwell on a 36-12 loss in week one Brial admits was disappointing.

"There were a few new combinations, but the boys are ready," he said.

"It's (the bye) helped us refresh; the last two days the boys have been firing and excited for that first home game."

The Highlanders are 1-1 this season after a two-point defeat of the Crusaders and a three-point loss to the Chiefs.