Why Reds Rugby Rules? (Plus Readers Questions Answered)

Looking back at 2022 for Reds rugby, I would say it has been an exciting year of development and growth… Not only within the Reds squad, but at Ballymore Stadium itself! I loved every training session I was able to attend and the interviews that I was able to conduct. During the pre-season, make sure you go back and check some of them out.

A big thanks to those who have helped behind the scenes organising interviews and to the Reds boys themselves! (Thanks also to my family and everyone that helps me maintain this blog!)

As we get into the seventh year of Reds Rugby Rules, I wanted to start off with a different approach. I’d like to shed some light on why I love rugby and the Queensland team so much and answer a few questions that my readers have asked!

Why I love rugby

My love for rugby began back in high school. I would watch my brothers playing and I loved going to their games. I remember watching some of the greats of today playing amongst my brothers and being mesmerised with the talent and skill it took to play the game. Whilst my brothers moved on to different things, my love for rugby grew. I’ve enjoyed learning about strategy and the different ways to play the game.

I would watch pre and post game interviews to build my knowledge... I would talk with players to get insights on how to really read the field and understand why they would make certain plays. This changed my watching experience and it was around this time that I started following the Reds. 

One thing lead to another and I was lucky enough to make my way down to a few training sessions at Ballymore Stadium, the spiritual home of rugby in Queensland. My passion for the sport led me to wanting to interview players and pick their brains about rugby.

I’ve been able to make connections and friendships with players as people, even apart from rugby. Being able to see the growth, success and passion in friends you see on the weekly has been one of the many reasons I love doing what I do.

Questions from readers! 

“Who are your top 3 players this year?”

I am excited to see all of the Reds play this year, both the mens and womens squads are full of really talented individuals who have the skill and the heart to go all the way this year. But if I had to choose 3 players from both squads that I’m excited to see play, it would be:

Ivania Wong

James O’Connor

Harry Hoopert (interview coming soon)

“Who is the greatest QLD player of all time?”

Another tough question! There is such a long, rich history of rugby union here in Queensland. I spent a while trying to decide my answer to this question and I’m going to have to say a few names: John Eales, David Campese, Elton Flatley and Chris Latham. Check out my interview with Elton from last year here!

“Out of all the Queensland Reds, who’s mullet was best?”

As person who wrote this question probably knows, Tate McDermitt and Liam Wright have both had notable mullets during their time at Ballymore. I support all players rights to free-expression, but I was very much in support when they both chose to cut them off.

“Who was your favourite player when you first started watching rugby?”

Quade Cooper was one of many favourites of mine when I first started watching the game. I remember watching him when he was playing rugby for Anglican Church Grammar school. I’ve loved watching his growth and career as he’s worked his way through the rugby ranks. (Check out my 2017 interview with Quade here.)

I love it when the Wallabies training at Ballymore.

As the Super Rugby season hastily approaches. I am eager to reboot Reds Rugby Rules in 2023. I’m excited to have more chats, more laughs and make more friends, stay tuned!