Reds Star in 2024 Wallabies Squad

In the eyes of some, Rugby has had a rough few years.

For me however, as a fan, I’ve been locked in for the whole of 2024…. and have loved every minute of it!

Of course, that includes Queenslands Super Rugby season, right through to the recent 3 game Wallabies series AND the electric international matches the Reds played against Wales and Tonga!

“The Rugby Championship” is coming up, kicking off at “the Fortress” Suncorp Stadium, against the world champion Springboks. I can’t wait and I hope I see you there in the crowd with me!

I thought I’d continue the tradition of highlighting the Reds players that have made it into the Green and Gold squad in 2024, including some well deserving debutants! I can see plenty of signs of hope for the future of the Wallabies. Especially if Joe Schmidt continues to pick a lot of Reds players. :-)

First up, I have to start with a leader of leaders amongst the Reds……

Liam Wright

Liam was appointed as the 89th Wallabies captain for their first win against the Wallabies. That’s right… At the same time that he  burst his way back into the side for the first time in over four years, Joe Schmidt acknowledged his leadership ability and appropriately picked him to lead the side. Liam rose to the challenge and his squad delivered. (Unfortunately, he was then set-back by a shoulder injury. Hopefully he’ll be back very soon and I wish him a speedy recovery!)

You can read my 2021 interview with him here and my 2019 chat with him here.

Hunter Paisami

I am really glad Hunter has made his way back into the squad. I think he’s had an amazing Super Rugby season this year and can’t wait to see what he does with the Wallabies!

Fraser McCreight

After a fantastic Super Rugby season, Fraser has continued his amazing form for the Wallabies against Wales and Georgia. Unfortunately he will be out for some time after getting surgery fixing up a thumb injury. I’m wishing him a speedy recovery. I’d love to see him back to full health and playing again soon!

Also, a huge congrats to Fraser for earning the Stan Pilecki medal. (You can catch my 2018 chat with him here.)

With Fraser and Harry at Brothers Rugby
Club back in 2019

Harry Wilson

I was really stoked when Harry made it back into the Wallabies this year. He's been proving his worth all year, especially when he starred in the Wallabies match against Georgia. I'm sure there's plenty of good footy left in him as we look to the Rugby Championship. Check out my 2019 interview with him here.

Tate McDermitt

Tate is a fan-favourite among many Queenslanders and Australian rugby supporters. I can’t wait to see what he does for the remainder of the year! He’s my pick for the starting #9 jersey. And I think I’m putting my bias aside!

Tate has always been very passionate for the jerseys he represents. Check out one of my early interviews with him here:

Angus Blythe

To put it bluntly, Reds lock Angus Blythe has earned his spot. He debuted off the bench during the first Wales test and started against Georgia! Check out my interview with Angus here.

Alex Hodgeman

Alex made his Wallabies debut against Georgia! It was well-deserved, I loved the way Alex played for Queensland this year, dominating the front-row. He’s one of those rare players that can say he’s played for the All-Blacks as well… But I’m glad to say the past is the past. Check out my conversation with Hodgey from earlier this year.

Tom Lynagh

Tom has come into his own and matured very quickly during his time in Queensland. Since our official interview in 2022, he’s begun to secure the Reds number 10 jersey. I’m stoked he’s now made his Wallabies debut and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him in Green and Gold. You can read my interview with Tom here!

Zane "Baby Thor" Nonngorr

I caught up with Zane back in 2021 during his debut season with the Reds. At the time, he had been nicknamed "Baby Thor" (based on Taniela Tupou's "Tonga Thor" nickname) and was finding it quite funny and entertaining. Since then, he's come into his own and made his Wallabies debut last year, earning 4 caps! While Taniela isn't with the Reds right now, it's pretty special that he and Zane are both a part of the Wallabies camp ahead of the Rugby Championship. Of course, I'm wishing them all the best in this competition and beyond!

Ryan Smith

Ryan thoroughly deserved his Wallabies call-up after an awesome season with the Reds this year. The best is yet to come for Ryan “Socks Up” Smith! Check out my previous chats with Ryan here (2023) and here (2023).

Seru Uru

Seru has been in discussions among rugby fans for some time, about being ready to play in the green and gold jersey.

When I chatted with Seru in 2022, I asked him what his goals were - he said his rugby goal was to don the Wallabies jersey. Seru has been a part of the wider squad several times and I can't wait to see him finally make his debut.

Josh Flook

Josh was regularly put forward as the Reds player “most likely to debut in Green and Gold”. I was happy to see him not just debut, but play extremely well against Wales!

Check out my interview with him from earlier this year.

Matt Faessler

Matt rightfully rose to first pick among Australians hookers last year. He’s continued his fine form this year - and even took on a new challenge by co-hosting the “Socks Up” podcast this year alongside Ryan. They released a new episode the week of every home game, and I think they both did a fine job! (Matt is on my “to interview” list…)

Josh Nasser

Josh has risen through the ranks of the Reds since signing ahead of the 2020 season. He is also on my “to interview” list!

Filipo Daugunu

Special mention to this guy, who has recently resigned with the Reds. The flying Fijian has found great form this year and I can’t wait to see more barn-storming runs from him in Green and Gold! Check out my 2018 interview with him (and with my old mate Samu) here.