Auckland-born Mike Harris is hoping to fill the vacancy left by the crocked Quade Cooper in the Reds No.10 jersey at the start of the Super Rugby season, but he knows that he will have a fight on his hands.

The 23-year-old inside back, who qualifies to play for the Wallabies through an Australian grandmother, impressed at the beginning of last season at inside centre before being struck down by injury and has targeted Cooper's spot as he tries to work his way back into contention.

Harris returns to training in three weeks time after a lengthy lay-off which saw his knee operated on twice last year, and he faces an intense battle for the playmaker berth when he does.

Reds coach Ewan McKenzie has revealed that Harris, Ben Tapuai, Ben Lucas, Jono Lance and Dallan Murphy are all in the running to fill the flyhalf spot, but Harris' reliable goal-kicking and experience at pivot may see him get the nod ahead of the others.

Harris told AAP: 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."

Cooper's knee reconstruction may have given Harris the opportunity to show what he is capable of at playmaker, but the talented inside back insists he will look to assert his own identity on affairs if given the chance rather than imitate the Wallaby flyhalf's unique style.

"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.

Although Cooper's guile was a big part of the Reds' success last season, there is no doubting that whoever gets a chance in his absence will be desperate to make an impression.

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