It’s 2023 and I’m really excited that we’re gearing up for another Rugby World Cup!
I thought I’d continue the tradition and highlight all of the Reds players that have made it into this years squad. There are a number of incredible players from our Queensland side that have the privilege of wearing the green and gold jersey on the rugby's great stage, along with a few players in the “once a Red, always a Red” category!
I hope you enjoy reading this special edition of Reds Rugby Rules and that you join me in watching every game and supporting them every step of the way!
Tate McDermott
Tate is a player I’m very excited to see play in this years World Cup. I first interviewed him in 2018 and I could see his passion and love for the game AND his desire to wear the jersey that he has now made his own. In 2020, during my “lockdown” Zoom interview phase, he told me he hoped to play for the Wallabies and several months later, he made his debut! When Eddie Jones first took over as coach this year, Tate didn’t make it into squad. However, he made some sharp improvements in response and fought his way back into the team AND earned the vice-captaincy role.
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| Controversial opinion: Tate looks better without the mullet! |
Jordan Petaia
Jordan shot to prominence in 2018 as the youngest Queensland Super Rugby player of all time (he was just over 18 years old). Since then, he has matured into a great player and will be a weapon for the Wallabies as he returns to his second World Cup!
Check out my 2018 and 2021 interviews with Jordan, to get to know him before the team kicks off! Look out for Jordan and Suli as they look to dominate in the air, looking for high balls.
Taniela Tupou
Affectionately known as the “Tongan Thor”, or “Nella” by his friends and teammates, one of the best props in the world has recovered from a serious achilles injury just in time. Fans are hoping he can find his best form in the World Cup - and I believe he can.
Check out my classic 2017 interview with him here.
Fraser McCreight
Fraser McCreight is a great number 7. He's had a stellar year so far, but I still think the best is yet to come for the young open side-flanker!
Check out my 2018 interview with Fraser here.
Suliasi Vunivalu
I had the pleasure of interviewing Suli at Wallabies camp last year, check out that conversation here.
A former NRL player, Suli has returned to the game he grew up playing in Fiji and many believe he hasn’t quite reached his peak yet. If he does during this World Cup, the results will be devastating.
Zane Nonggorr
I interviewed Zane back in 2021 during his first year at the Reds. Since then, in one sense, he’s been a “quiet achiever”, (he’s definitely not as loud as the other Queensland Number 3!). He has shot into the Wallabies squad this year and I can’t wait to see him do damage in the scrum and around the field in France!
Matt Faessler
I’ve yet to formally interview Matt during his time with the Reds, but I’ve enjoyed watching his rise and am stoked he’s been selected to travel to France!
Special Mentions
Once a Red - Always a Red
Samu Kerevi
One of Queenslands greatest, I, for one, am very happy the Giteau law has allowed him to play for the Wallabies. I believe he’s one of the best number 12s in the world and simply an awesome guy.
Check out my 2017 and 2019 interview with him!
James Slipper
James has maintained his spot in the Wallabies for a good 13 years which is a phenomenal achievement for any player, especially a forward. He was my first ever Reds Rugby Rules interview in 2017. (Check out my second interview here also.)
Izaia Perese
Blue? Like I said, once a Red, always a Red. Perese is very deserving of his spot in this years squad. Check out my 2018 interview with him here!
Carter Gordon
Even thought he currently plays for the Rebels, I am 100% a fan of this guy. I had the pleasure of interviewing him in 2020 while he was based at Ballymore. Queensland will claim Carter as our own any day :-).
LET’S GET BEHIND THIS TEAM.
The Wallabies have been labeled underdogs in this years competition. I think every Australian loves a good underdog story! Let’s go boys.
