Wilson's statement as Reds grind by Rebels

Harry Wilson has done as directed to help pilot the Queensland Reds to a 23-5 victory over the Melbourne Rebels in a dour Super Rugby Pacific opener in Brisbane.

The No.8 produced a moment of magic in a game riddled with errors, spinning in a tackle and reaching to somehow plant the ball for a decisive second-half try.

He showed clean hands in the heavy rain and constantly made ground around the ruck, while a try-saving tackle in the first half stopped the Rebels from drawing level.

One of the first picked in Dave Rennie's 2020 Wallabies side, Wilson was left in Australia for the Spring Tour last year to instead benefit from a full-preseason of development.

He's presented in fine form and was a bright spot in a largely forgettable first-round clash on a wet night at Suncorp Stadium.

"He's worked a lot athletically with his running technique, in the gym," Reds coach Brad Thorn said of 22-year-old Wilson.

"And he's another year older; he came in at 20 and it's been foot to floor since then.

"I doesn't matter what I think, that's the decision they (Wallabies selectors) made and we're glad to have him back and get that time to work on your game.

"Rugby at the highest level can be a long calendar."

Centre Josh Flook provided the other highlight on the night, a cross-field kick off the outside of his boot in traffic to find impressive fullback Jock Campbell for a try in the final seconds.

The Reds led 13-5 at halftime, Brad Wilkin's try off a precise driving maul from a Rebels lineout bringing the visitors some joy before the break.

The points came just as Taniela Tupou, who scored the opener, was preparing to return from a yellow card given for deliberate offside while the Rebels peppered the line.

When Tupou dived over in