VETERAN prop James Slipper headlines our first edition of Wallaby Watch, as Fox Sports Lab identifies the five star players from the National Rugby Championship each week.

The 29-year-old had a stunning fall from grace this year, suspended by Rugby Australia after twice testing positive for cocaine.

Slipper is a former Reds captain but with coach Brad Thorn implementing a zero tolerance policy on bad behaviour, his future appears in Canberra after reportedly meeting with Brumbies coach Dan McKellar regarding a Super Rugby move south next season.

In the meantime, he will be focused on his NRC commitments and reminding Wallabies coach Michael Cheika why he has played 86 Tests.

Interestingly, Slipper started on the unfamiliar tight-head side in Queensland Country’s 45-35 opening round win over the Canberra Vikings.

He made 10 runs for 59 metres while producing some big hits and securing a pilfer.

The ability to play both sides of the scrum is highly valued by coaches and increase his appeal to the Brumbies given Scott Sio is the Wallabies’ first choice loose-head.

JP Smith (Brisbane City)
Ironically, the second player on our list is the man who has taken Slipper’s spot as the Reds’ starting loose-head.

Now coming into his propping prime at 28, the South African-born Smith has had a peripatetic career, with Western Province, the Brumbies, Canberra Vikings and the Stormers all part of his journey before settling in Brisbane with twin brother Ruan.

Smith becomes eligible for the Wallabies soon and is knocking on the door following an impressive Super Rugby campaign.

Playing for Brisbane City, Smith showed off a more subtle side of his game in the 47-29 loss to the Western Force in round one, producing two linebreak assists in his 70 minutes.

Jack McGregor (Western Force)
The youngster is starting to live up to his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Australian rugby.

Known more as a five-eighth, McGregor starred at fullback in the Force’s impressive win over Brisbane, with fellow NSW product Andrew Deegan also catching the eye in the No 10 jersey.

McGregor, the 2015 Australian Schoolboys captain, scored a try for the Force as well as laying on two try assists and making three linebreaks.

Contracted to the Rebels before switching to the Force this season, McGregor is taking his opportunities with both hands out west.

Jordan Jackson-Hope (Canberra Vikings)
Another highly touted junior playmaker who is really starting to find his feet in the NRC.

The 22-year-old has had limited Super Rugby opportunities with the Brumbies but was a standout in game one for the Vikings.

Jackson-Hope shifted from inside centre to five-eighth shortly after halftime and carved up the Country defence, running for 81 metres and four tackle busts.

He also produced four linebreak assists and kicked all three of his conversion attempts.

Andy Muirhead (Canberra Vikings)
The 25-year-old appears in a confident frame of mind on the back of a breakout Super Rugby season with the Brumbies.

An old school winger, Muirhead relies on excellent footballing instincts and skills rather than size or strength.

He proved a hard man for the Country defence to bring down, scoring a try and running for 128 metres and three linebreaks.