Off-Set with Front-rower Sef Fa'agase!

This week I had the privilege of catching up once again with Reds front-rower Sef Fa'agase.

The first time I interviewed Sef for Reds Rugby Rules was back in 2017, which was the day that I was featured on Fox Sports "Kick and Chase"! You can read that interview here and check out my appearance on Kick and Chase here.

Rugby has taken Sef around the world and back since then. I loved catching up and hearing what he learnt while playing overseas. I hope you enjoy reading our conversation too!

Hi Sef, thanks for taking time to chat! Last time we caught up (officially), we had a few camera’s around. (A good memory!) Since then, a lot has happened! You were with the Reds from 2015-2018 and then you went overseas. What are some of your coolest memories from playing abroad?

I think the last time we met was 2016… 2017 for the last official one. Yeah, a lot has happened since then. I guess the coolest experiences were getting to live in another country and experience another lifestyle. I loved my time over in Japan, I grew a fondness for the Japanese people. It's hectic, the lifestyle over there. I guess it's an organised chaos.

Sef with Chris Hemsworth
[via his Instagram]

That was my experience of Japan, when I visited in 2018! That was on the way to watch the Reds play in Tokyo.

I remember! I think on the way over there, we had a cool experience when we actually saw Chris Hemsworth in the lounge on the way over to Japan. That was a cool experience.

In terms of footy, I really loved my time in New Zealand. Just the way they look and approach rugby as a whole is pretty awesome. And it's something that's stuck with me. I've tried to bring that back and try to implement myself as a rugby player.

The best experience coming out of being in New Zealand was meeting my partner and now we've been together for five years. We've got a little one. So all my Christmas’s I still have to spend in New Zealand (laughs.)

What was your experience like in the USA?

Yeah. It's still in its infancy, I guess, in terms of rugby, but I mean, getting to travel and play in those major cities is pretty awesome. Like going to LA… I’d never been to America before. That was quite an experience. 

I was playing in Boston. So I got to a few basketball games. I got to see Tom Brady play, that was his homecoming game against the Patriots when he was at the Bucks. So that was awesome, just a cool experience all around.

What did you miss most about home while you were away? 

Well, before I left, I took for granted that working and living in your home is such a blessing. The fact that you can go to work and then come home and still see your family, I think that's probably the biggest one for me. I couldn’t just jump in the car and drive to my parents or my dad's house or see my brothers. That was probably the the toughest thing that I missed the most. 

You landed back in Brisbane towards the end of the 2022 season. I was really glad to see you back with the Reds. What are some things that you noticed had changed around here?

I guess for starters, I was coming in as an older person, an older player. So I had to try and set a good example, which was really unique to me.

At the same time, the work ethic that the players had developed while I was away was unbelievable to see, just how different it was. Yeah, that's probably the biggest thing.

I have to congratulate you on 50 caps by the way! You played your 50th game up in Townsville last year.

Yeah, it was a pretty proud moment for me Tom. I'd left in 2018, kind of stuck on, I think, 46 caps or something and it was something I always wanted to, I always wanted to play 50 games for Queensland. I wasn't too sure if I’d get there, so it was a big moment for me - minus the result. Like we went up to Townsville and got hammered. But I think just being able to represent Queensland first and foremost 50 times and being able to represent my family and my friends was huge for me. 

I'm sure you're loving the new facility around here that was completed at the end of last year?

Yeah, well, you remember the last time we were here? I think we were down there, and it was a very different place. I don't think a lot of the the boys here remember the old place and know how good we have it here. So I'm really appreciative. I remember my time in New Zealand. Uh, we didn't have sheds and we didn't have a changing room, so we were getting changed in the meeting room. So it's pretty awesome to have your own locker, which is something we take for granted.

What's your favourite thing about playing at Suncorp?

I guess it goes back to my point about me missing home and my family and friends and getting to play in front of my friends, family and familiar faces is probably my favourite memory. It's the cauldron, right?!

Yeah, I'm the same as you. My seat hasn't changed since before I first met you guys.

Yeah, that's awesome.

What are your personal goals now either inside or outside of rugby?

In terms of rugby, I guess it's just trying to perform, I’m not trying to be perfect, but just always trying to give my best and give everything. 

As long as I'm putting my hand up and then, I guess outside of footy it would be creating a happy home for my family. Probably my biggest “work on” every day is making sure I'm not taking rugby home and just being a dad.

What's your favourite post-game meal these days?

Oh. This is a naughty one, I've been going straight to McDonald's after games. I can tell you my order. 

Okay… It's a large double Filet-O-Fish meal with an orange Fanta and then a double McChicken. And then if I'm feeling extra naughty, ten nuggets as well. Depends on how many minutes I play Tom. (Laughs.)

How are we going to beat the Blues this weekend?

I think we got to try and match them in the forwards. That’s what we've spoken about this week, so just trying to contain them and I guess winning our first three phases is going to be massive. That’ll go a long way to getting a victory.

And then of course, our fans bringing us home. You don't really hear much on the field, but when you hear hearing the “We are Reds” call, you can really hear that. Okay, Tom - so you start that this weekend, you get that going this weekend, then we'll get a result.

Well, thanks for taking time for interview number 2. Glad it's a bit more low key this time. All the best this weekend. I'll definitely be there cheering everyone on!

Thank you for taking your time out today and coming to see me also. I really appreciate it. It’s always good to see a familiar face and an old friend.

The Reds take on the Blues at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday (27th April), kick off is at 7:35pm! I will see you there!

A Conversation with Queensland's Josh Flook

Today, I had the opportunity to chat with Queensland Outside Center Josh Flook. At 22 years of age, Josh Flook has achieved a lot with the Reds in just a few years and was a key part of their Super Rugby AU championship win in 2021.

After battling his way back from a shoulder reconstruction at the end of last year, Josh no doubt has his best footy ahead of him. I hope you enjoy reading our chat!

Hey, Josh, thanks for taking time to chat with me this week.

Thanks Tommy. Thanks for having me!

After a massive season in 2023, what are some of your rugby goals for 2024? 

I think just to be consistent, play some consistent rugby, especially after having a solid year last year, that was pretty enjoyable. But there's a few new things around the grounds here in 2024. So I think just playing consistent footy and having fun.

You went through shoulder reconstruction towards the end of last year. How do you feel you developed personally during your rehab? And what did you learn during that time?

Yeah, I guess it taught me a bit about… um… that there's a life outside of footy as well. I was able to do a little bit more of my uni, which I wouldn't normally be able to do and it was good to able to spend some time with the family. It just gave me reassurance that, you know, you got to have that life balance between doing footy and everything else at the same time.

What what have been some of your favourite things about being a part of this Queensland Reds side? 

I think all of us being quite a young bunch when I first started, we've been able to really develop over the last five or so years. So it's been pretty cool to see, you know, 18 year olds, 19-20 year olds be able to debut and just how quickly they've been able to develop and play some really good quality footy at the highest standard.

What have been some of your career highlights so far in rugby? 

Uh, I think school wise, I was lucky enough to win a couple of premierships at Nudgee. Nudgee has been a very big part of my life, so far and it definitely shaped me into who I am today. And then, Reds wise, obviously the AU grand final win, that was pretty special, especially since I was still so young. So I'll never be able to forget that. 

That was pretty special for us in the stands too! Who in the team would you spotlight as someone that's been training well and playing hard? 

Hmmm, that's a good question. I think one of our captains, Liam Wright. He's had an unlucky run with injuries over the past couple of years, so it's good to see him being able to get some footy under his belt and I think he's playing really well. He'll put his hand up for some higher honours hopefully.

Agreed! I’ve enjoyed watching him play well this season. My next question is: What is your favourite post training meal? 

Oh… Not so much a meal, but I do like to go through a cheeky Macca's drive through and get a frozen Coke. Oh, especially after a hot day. So that's generally a go-to - a little $2 frozen Coke hits the spot nicely.

What's some good advice you've received either as a young player or as a professional footy player? 

Uh, I think that nerves aren't a bad thing. Being nervous just means that you want something badly. So to take them on board and not like, I guess, show that it's a weakness.

What are your thoughts on how we can beat the Highlanders this weekend?

I think we gotta focus on playing better and longer passages of play. You know, we've been able to show so far this year that we can pull it together for 15, 20 minutes. But against such quality teams, you have to do that for 80 minutes… 80 plus minutes. So I think that’ll be a big focus area for the boys this week.

Awesome. Can’t wait to be there in support! Thanks Josh for taking the time to chat today.

Thank you very much for having me!

A Conversation with the Sunshine Coast Crew: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips & Louis Werchon

This week, I had an awesome time watching the Reds train at Ballymore. As I've done many times before, I sat across from the posts during kicking practice. A few people were around to block the balls. One ended up hitting my armrest which added to the fun! A few people were worried about me, but I find being amongst the action exhilarating.

After training, I got to chat with 2 young, very talented Reds players. Louis Werchon and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips have been around the Reds for a relatively short time, but have made their mark at Ballymore already. Queenslands future looks bright with players like these around!

I’m really pleased you guys are both in Reds squad. Tell me about your experience at Ballymore so far?

[Harry:] Uh, yeah, I've loved it. Obviously, it's a new facility, so it's been pretty awesome to be able to be in there - and with the new coaching group as well. It's been pretty fresh and pretty exciting and everyone's really keen for the year. So it's been good!

[Louis:] Yeah. Just obviously coming in from last year being back in with the new facilities, I think everything's more well ran, we’ve got three fields operational. It's a lot easier and flows a bit better. 

I love hearing about peoples rugby journeys. How would you describe your journey to this point in time - starting with your first ever touch of a rugby ball?

 

[Harry:] Yeah, so when I started, I was living in country New South Wales in Gunnedah. I started playing when I was four and then my family moved up to the Sunshine Coast two years later and I played for the Caloundra lighthouses for five or six years. And then I went to Sunny Coast Grammar, I was there for a year, then moved to boarding school here in Brisbane at BBC [Brisbane Boys College] and I was there for the last five years of school. Since then, I moved out and play at Souths here in Brissy. And yeah... I just enjoyed the journey. I just love playing footy, yeah wherever I am I just enjoy it. 

[Louis:] I was at Sunny Coast Grammar, a grade above Harry actually, but he was only there for a year. I think he beat me in a touch tournament at school once.

[Harry:] I remember that!

[Louis:] But then, yeah, I did my prep to grade 12 and then I did my plumbing apprenticeship - I did a school based apprenticeship. So I was juggling footy and that after school as well. So then I was driving back and forth from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane. And then the last two years I've moved down to Brisbane and obviously joined the Reds. 

I was plumbing up on the Coast for my brother's company. Then I'd drive down at 2pm in the afternoon for training and then drive back to the coast after. 

I'm guessing Tate would have been an inspiration for you guys on the Sunshine Coast?!

[Louis:] Yeah, obviously being a halfback as well. Like, I was at school with Tatey… I think I was in grade, maybe 8 or 9 when he graduated. So yeah, I hate saying it, but yeah, I did look up to him at school. But yeah, he was always helped us out on Wednesday mornings. We had a session and he was always there. So he was a huge help for us in the Central Coast. 

[Harry:] He was an inspiration to me. But now I have to spend more time with him, he’s just a pest and he just annoys me all the time. So not any more [Laughs].

Did you always play in the same position growing up? 

[Harry:] I've pretty much always played 10. I played a little bit of 12 during school and then a little bit of fullback last year. But mainly ten.

[Louis:] Um, no I never played nine growing up, I was always a ten, outside centre or fullback. I think my final year of first XV, I played 12. But I always knew I was going to be end up in halfback. It's just on the Sunshine Coast, there's not much depth, so I was just always just filling in wherever. Yeah. And then for like all of rep footy I played halfback and but I only played nine in my last two years of schooling.

What do you love about playing halfback now?

[Louis:] I don't have to tackle as much.

[Harry:] [Laughs] You're soft.

You guys have both been a part of the Australian Under-20s squad. What was a highlight of that experience?

[Louis:] Um, one highlight for me was that my under 20s squad [2022] was on the Sunshine Coast, so that was cool. It was pretty lucky! So I was the only one really with a car, so I was just driving around with all the boys. But definitely, representing Australia for sure. It's always a highlight and yeah, it's awesome.

[Harry:] I think for me, um, we got to play over in South Africa, so that was pretty cool. Got to travel as a squad and play over there. And and to get a win against the Kiwis over there, it was pretty special. It's good to beat them.  

This ones for Louis… I heard you played AFL for two seasons. How old were you, and what were your big takeaways from that? 

Um, I was 14, so it was weird. So on the Sunshine Coast, I play for the Caloundra Panthers. If you're 14, you played in under 16s.It was a huge help for me with my kicking game. After my second season, I was going into first XV, so I kind of had to make the choice of rugby or AFL. And I chose rugby... because I started when I was four - playing rugby.

Later on, during Covid season, I went back to the Panthers and was there just as a fill-in, just for fun and they ended up just saying, do you want to finish the season? So I enjoy my AFL. My Dad's from South Australia, so I was brought up with it.

This one’s for Harry - what sport would you play if you had to play another one?

If I HAD to play another one... probably volleyball. I played a bit through school and I really enjoyed it.

What advice would you have for players, boys and girls who want to play professionally?

[Harry:] I think the biggest advice is that you've got to enjoy it. Like you've got to love it. If you don't actually love it and you don't enjoy turning up to train every day, to work on your craft, I think it's just not going to work. And for some people, that's just the case that they just don't love it. So I think you've got to find something that you love and then you've just got to go for it!

Favourite post-game meal?

[Louis:] I don't really have a specific one, I just have whatever's put in the change room. Whatever they give us. I don't mind, like a pizza or like something greasy. 

[Harry:] I don't mind a burger with chips… Like just a full, solid meal.

Thanks for taking time out to chat! Enjoy the bye weekend. I can’t wait until the next Reds game against Moana, the weekend after!

The Reds have a well deserved bye weekend coming up - and are set to play Moana Pacifica Friday April 12th at 5:05pm! The game is in New Zealand and I’ll be watching on Stan Sport!

A Conversation with Home-Coming Reds Star Lori Cramer

It’s been a while since I caught up with Lori, one of Queenslands brightest stars. Since our last chat, she’s literally been around the world and back. Fresh from a season at English club “Exeter”. (She’s also starred for the Wallaroos on the international stage a number of times, including the World Cup!)

Needless to say, it’s great having her back at Ballymore. Always up for a laugh, Lori and I had a great conversation, I hope you enjoy reading it! (Check out our previous interviews by clicking here and here.)

Lori was all smiles (and laughs) after training. She was joined by Jessi Luffman
and Susie Spann who are part of Kelvin Grove's Sports Excellence Program.

So awesome to see you tonight Lori. Last time we caught up at Ballymore was 2021.

You've switched sides since then, and even played for an England club called Exeter. How has your time away from Brisbane been?

Well, absolutely freezing. But apart from that, I've really enjoyed my time away. I've learned a lot more about set-piece. Because obviously, you know, northern hemisphere teams play a lot of… boring rugby. (Would you put it that way Tom?)

Yes, I guess I’d say that!

Well, there's a lot more detail in their game over there. The detail around set-piece is next level. I got asked the other day how rugby is in England… their women's team is selling out Twickenham Stadium. So it's a really exciting place to be for women's rugby at the moment. So I loved being a part of it. I learned a lot and I got to play with a lot of other international players. So, you know, I got some mates and I got accommodation all over the world, which is handy as well! You know, you’ve always got a place to stay when you play in a rugby team with someone. 

Exeter has an excellent reputation. What were some of your highlights from your time there?

Highlights. Um, well they got some really fun pubs over there. But um, getting to go to some Six Nations games, which was cool. And also, I guess I got to see some of my friends family homes. I got to go to Italy and I got to go to Ireland, I got to go to France and just see some friends and travel. Because, you know, Australia is so far away from Europe, so we don't really get over there much, but it takes like an hour to fly to a different country over there. And then it's like 20 bucks! Like, geez, you don't have to ask me twice. So yeah, it was really easy to get around and I loved it. I went to Greece for like 60 bucks. That was nuts! It's a good time over there. 

What an exciting time to return to Queensland. How were you finding everything, being back here, team, weather, etc? 

Well, last week we played Melbourne, in Geelong. (That's where Gracie is playing now.) It was horrendous, 35 degrees and humidity, times a thousand. I'm whingeing about the weather a lot, aren't I?!

But, I love being back, back living with my family. I haven't obviously lived here for a really long time. It's good to be able to go to school pick-ups and hang out with my nieces and yeah, I'm loving being home. So I don't know how long I'm going to stick around for in the long run, but I'm here for now and I'm loving it. The Broncos are doing good too. Did you watch the game last night Tom?

No. I do watch the odd league game, but I didn’t watch last nights one.

Who are some players to watch this year?

We've got Jess right here. She's a player to watch. Susie goes all right too... caught an absolute stellar high ball the other week. Um, I'm really excited to watch Shalom in our backline. You know, she's just a baby and she's an absolute weapon. She kind of gives me Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea vibes. She's an incredible ball carrier, she's got instincts beyond her years, and just before, I think you saw it… we were having a kick and she drops a drop goal from the sideline and I was like, nah, man, I retire. Honestly, the Rugby in Australia is in really good hands, with players like that just coming through.

Agreed. Ballymore has had a facelift since you were last here. How cool is it? 

Yes, it's very fancy here. You know what? You need a key card to get in everywhere. It's very fancy. It's like. It's like the headquarters, you're doing your zap in here, and you got a keycard here, it’s face identity everywhere. No, that's not true, there's no face identity. That would be cool if there was.

It was great be invited to a team dinner, (before jersey presentation
with family and friends.)

But we’ve got a sauna in there, ice baths… yeah, it's it's legit. So obviously this is the home of the Wallaroos as well. So yeah, the facilities here are world class and I'm really excited that we get to use it three times a week.

What will the team be focused on against Fiji this weekend? 

Well… on defence. We gave away a lot of penalties last week, so definitely we're trying to get that down. 

Um, because yeah giving giving Fiji, you know, a walk into our 22 isn't going to be too much fun. So definitely work on our discipline, our offsides and getting into their passing lanes and trying to shut down their offloads. Obviously, they're, they like to keep the ball alive and offload the ball. So I guess making sure that we wrap the ball up in tackles and staying high in their passing channels so that they can't keep popping off to each other. And I guess in attack, just carrying hard and earning the right to go wide, because it can get really it can get easy to go sideways early if the space is there. But they're really good at tracking and grifting in defence as well. So she'll be an interesting Sunday afternoon, you'll be here. I've been telling everyone it's Saturday all week. I had an interview with channel nine news and I told him it was Saturday. What a shocker! [Laughs.]

Oh, is there a Roar game here? Oh, there you go. Yeah, well, everyone will be rocking up to the Roar game in reds gear. [Laughs.] Whoopsie!

What's your message for rugby fans at the start of Super W 2024?

[Whispers from the audience.] What? Do you’s want a shout out? Ah, the Reds women have, the two most incredible water-girls, in the world. Jessi and Susie.

It was great to meet the talented (and hilarious) Charli,
USA's latest and greatest import to Queensland

Uh, the message for rugby fans… Women's rugby is on the up. It’s exciting. Um, and honestly, our competition is about to blow up, especially with the World Cup coming up next year. I think this year, everyone's going to be digging deep and fighting hard and especially, the Wallaroos did really well last year at WXV 1. So everyone's had a lot of experience since last Super W. And yeah, I think we've got a lot of more internationals playing in our game now, which again will add a different element. And we've had a lot more games under our belt since last year, so the quality is only going to get better and better.

Thanks Lori, for taking time out at the start of a busy season. All the best to the Reds this season, I'll be cheering you on!

Yep, of course. Thanks for coming and sitting in the rain! I always love coming and hanging out with you, Tom. We always love seeing you here at training and at the games.

Can Kiwis Become Queenslanders? Alex Hodgman Settles the Question.

I had an awesome time today, catching up with Alex Hodgman. Hailing from a land called New Zealand, he is one of the great new recruits that has joined the squad in 2024!

Alex played in both of the Reds pre-season game and is looking forward to his team kicking off at Suncorp Stadium against the Waratahs on Saturday 24th February!

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed chatting with him!

Hey Alex! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me this week. Very excited to have you apart of the reds! What has encouraged the move to Australia? 

First of all, thanks for having me Tom, it’s awesome to be here chatting with you brother. For me the move was just a new opportunity. I also have family that live here, so for me it’s just… come to the Reds, try something new and be with my loved ones. 

What are some key differences in training, coming from New Zealand to Australia? 

The key difference is obviously the heat, it’s a major factor. It’s playing a main factor in pre season training, I couldn’t even think it was that hot. I was just sweating and there was one session that I lost 7kgs of fluid. For me it took a while to get use to, but once I did… nah I haven’t even got used to it (laughter). That’s probably the main one.

What have been some of your favourite things since being a part of the Queensland Reds this year? 

I think mainly for me it has been the boys, they’re so welcoming and really easy going. I thought it’d be a lot harder trying to fit in, but they’ve made it a real easy transition for me. To be honest, I’m actually really grateful that I’ve got such a cool group around me. I can just be myself. 

What have been some of your career highlights so far, in rugby?

That’s a tough one. For me it’s probably playing for the All Blacks, making my debut in Auckland at Eden Park, sold out in front of my family. That is one of the biggest highlights of my career. But also, I think another highlight would actually just be putting on that Reds jersey in our first pre-season against the Force. It felt like a new chapter in my life and it was cool because my family were out on that hill over there [points towards the XXXX hill at Ballymore Stadium] and the were rolling up and down the whole time I was playing. That was probably the next highlight of my rugby career

Post trial games, how do you feel heading into this Super Rugby season? 

I think I’ve prepped well, I’ve had a really good pre season here. I feel the more games you have under your belt, the better you feel leading into it. I’m feeling pretty confident, but obviously the Waratahs always step up, so I’ve just gotta enjoy the challenge and just enjoy the moment too. 

What was running through your mind during the scrum battle in the 2nd half of the ‘Tahs trial game?

(Laughs) Dude! I thought we actually had the upper hand! It was frustrating because I think it was the 3rd scrum where we pumped and I thought to myself ‘yeah surely we’ve got the penalty’, but when I came up the ref had his hand going the other way I was so [vocalises disappointment]. I actually love that stuff cause it’s like an opportunity to assert dominance on another pack and when you do it, you just feel like all of your training has come to this moment and now you gotta execute, that’s what I was feeling! 

Are you excited to be playing against your old team the Blues?

Yeah! I’ve been thinking about it for a whole year. As soon as I signed to the Reds I just couldn’t stop thinking about how I can’t wait for that game. It’s crazy man, I’ve actually watched so much footage of my old games with the Blues, and things that I did in the past and things that the team did. Obviously new coaches means different systems, but I just can’t wait to play my mates again. 

Who in the team would you spot light for training well and playing hard? 

Ooooooh. Besides myself… (laughter). I love the way Harry Wilson plays, he’s just a big human, a big ball carrier and he trains funny (more laughter), he’s pretty crack-up. I just love the way he ball carries. 

Thank you for taking the time to chat today. My last question is what is your go to post training meal?

I’m a real tuna and pasta guy. Tuna, penne pasta, sweet chilli, mayonnaise and cheese. !t’s not the healthiest, but it helps me stay sane!

I also want to say man, thanks for having me. I’ve really enjoyed this time. Can I ask you a question? How long have you been interviewing and doing your blog for? 

That’s a great question thank you, I’ve been doing my blog and interviews since 2017.

Man. That’s awesome man! I hope you keep doing it and keep progressing. Keep doing your thing Tom, that’s awesome.

 The Reds 2024 season officially kicks off at Suncorp Stadium against the Waratahs on Saturday 24th February!