But the 20-year-old had seen how Brad Thorn operated and knew he was always a chance.

Four games in and Lucas has gone from squad member to bench livewire to fullback to starting five-eighth.

"Thorny, you can see, has rewarded people ... if you're good enough you're old enough," Lucas said.

"You've seen that in previous seasons ... obviously it was a stretch me thinking I was going to get a go but I put my head down at start of pre-season and worked hard."

With experienced back Bryce Hegarty (ribs injury) expected to be fit to play this Sunday it leaves Thorn with some selection headaches ahead of the Reds' clash with the Brumbies.

Lucas has always been a No.10 but knows with Hegarty and Hamish Stewart available, who has also played in both positions this season, they don't all fit.

"Yeah and that's exciting to have in a team, to have that competition for spots ... it poses a few headaches for Brad but that's a good thing," he said.

"I feel I can cope and do a good job there ... to be in the fold now, it genuinely is a dream come true."

The Reds (1-3) host the Brumbies (2-3), Rebels (3-1) and Stormers (3-1) in successive weeks, with Lucas sensing a chance to gather steam after a breakthrough defeat of the Sunwolves in Japan on Saturday.

"It's really important (we kick on)," he said.

"I'm grateful to be given the opportunity and it's my job to repay that confidence."

Australian Associated Press