Wallaby and Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper's knee injury has opened the door for another Kiwi-born playmaker, Mike Harris, to take up his mantle in the No.10 jersey for the Queensland side.

Harris is eager to claim the No.10 jersey for his own at the Reds in Cooper's absence next season, having impressed with a few cameo appearances in 2011.

The 23-year-old utility back qualifies to play for Australia via his grandmother and could have been a contender for the Wallaby squad himself this year had it not been for his own knee injuries.

Harris made a big impact at inside centre on a couple of occasions for the Reds before injury struck, but he could prove to be the ideal candidate to replace Cooper in 2012.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has identified his not-so-short list of six contenders for the flyhalf berth next year, with Harris, Ben Tapuai, Ben Lucas, Jono Lance, Dallan Murphy and 17-year-old Adelaide product Ulupano Seuteni as his options.

"Quade is a big loss to the team but other guys will step up and it's a big opportunity for myself and a few others," Harris told AAP.

"I'm pretty hungry and pretty keen to get out there and show what I can do.

"I've played quite a lot of 10 for North Harbour back in the (New Zealand) NPC and I feel comfortable in that position and would love to give it a decent crack."

Harris is the first to admit that he won't be able to replicate the unconventional style that Cooper brings to the side, but believes he can be a success by utilising his own strengths.

"He [Cooper] does things on the field that no one else can do but having said that there's heaps of different ways you can play that position, and I hope I can bring something different to the team," said Harris.

The Reds have begun some of their pre-season preparation, but the main focus will be on decide who should be flyhalf and holding thumbs that Digby Ioane turns down a big money move to Japan.