Queensland Reds will embrace refreshed James O'Connor as Will Genia prepares for huge year Unsure: Will Genia is weighing up his options. DUBLIN: Australian halfback Will Genia says former Wallabies bad boy James O'Connor will be welcomed into the Queensland set-up much like Kurtley Beale has been embraced by the team ahead of his Test return this week. Set to return to the Queensland Reds: James O'Connor. And Genia believes the duo have learnt from their mistakes to become "better people," despite careers filled with off-field drama and controversy. O'Connor met some of his future Reds teammates in Paris last week ahead of his return to Australian rugby in the coming months. O'Connor has spent the past year playing in England and France after being sacked by the ARU. Beale has only just rejoined the Wallabies after being exiled for six weeks after a text message scandal involving former team business manager Di Patston. "James looks really fit, I was a bit taken aback [seeing O'Connor in Paris last week], he could be back for pre-season training in December and he's keen to get stuck in," Genia said. They learn from their mistakes, they might have made a fair few in their time but they've become better people. James has always been a good guy. He can come off a certain way, but he's really genuine. He's found himself in poor situations. It sounds like he's grown up ... the same with Kurtley. He's obviously had trouble but he seems like he's learnt from it. Genia is preparing for the biggest year of his life and rugby career with the birth of his first child to be followed by the World Cup and a potential Australian farewell. Genia revealed he is set to miss the opening round of the Super Rugby season to be with wife Vanessa for the birth of their child in February. He also said Vanessa's presence on the Wallabies' spring tour of Europe has helped him feel comfortable away from home and battling for the Test No. 9 jersey. An ankle injury threatened to keep Genia out of action for the Wallabies this year, but he made his comeback and played his first Test against Wales two weeks ago. Partners are allowed on tour, it's just normal. For me, I know the more comfortable I am, the better I perform as a rugby player," a relaxed Genia said at the team's Dublin hotel. Having my wife here and my family around makes me feel at home and comfortable. You're not thinking about going home to see them or having the comforts because she's here. [Family] obviously comes into consideration for my future ... it makes a big difference as to whether you go somewhere else or stay because of the family support with a young bub. It's about being smart about it, you don't commit to things too early. My feelings now might change in the coming year. The Queensland Reds are facing a huge challenge to retain off-contract trio Genia, James Horwill and Quade Cooper beyond the end of next year as rich European clubs target their stars. Genia said a deep love of playing for the Wallabies and Queensland would weigh heavily on his mind as he contemplates a potential move to Europe. The trio combined in some of Queensland's darkest days and lifted the club to Super Rugby champions in 2011. "We've had conversations about our futures and potentially staying," Genia said. [Reds chief executive] Jim Carmichael is a good guy and understands the importance of keeping guys with experience and building a culture so that the young guys have steady hands to guide them. The three of us, we love playing for Queensland. Whether we go or stay, we want the place to be in good hands. To have risen from [the bad times at the Reds] and to have the success and built that, you feel some ownership over what's transpired. It will be hard to leave if we do. Genia has been linked with a move to Bath, the club former NRL star Sam Burgess has joined. There was speculation Horwill had already committed to a deal with English club Harlequins while Cooper is certain to be pursued by French teams. Genia's family situation will play a huge role in whatever choice he makes, with Vanessa due to give birth to a girl on February 14. The Reds start their Super Rugby season with a clash against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on February 13. I won't be missing the birth, it's more important than playing a game of footy. I'll have to deal with whatever repercussions come with that, maybe an angry coach," Genia grinned. I love playing and I just hope the bub can come early and I can do both.