Sitting Back with Spencer: A Conversation with Reds halfback Spencer Jean

On Tuesday, I caught up with Reds half-back Spencer Jean! It’s my second interview for the week (make sure you catch up on my conversation with Super W star Ivania Wong here as well).

Spencer made his way into the Reds ranks at the end of last year and had a strong debut in Sydney against our old foe the Waratahs.

We had an awesome chat - it’s good to know the future of the Reds is in good hands with players like Spencer coming through!

Hey Spencer, thanks for taking the time to catch up today.

No worries, it’s a pleasure!

Your debut game with the Waratahs was a very close and an exciting match! You played really well! How did you feel going into that game? 

Yeah, it was very exciting, and thank you! I wasn’t too nervous, because I was picked for the week before, so to get that experience and just to sit in it and get the whole vibe of how everything works was probably good for me. I guess I was kind of fortunate that when I did have to go on I didn’t have to much time to think about it really, I just went on and got straight into work. It was good, I was happy with it.

That helps answers my next question which was whether you were nervous or excited before the game… Also, how did you you deal with the mental aspect of that game? 

I was very excited - the whole trip I was very excited. I probably didn’t get nervous until after the warm up, when I was sitting on the bench. But when I saw Tate go down I got pretty nervous. Mentally, I’ve got good boys around me so I know that they’re going to do the job. I’ve just got to do my own job and I guess I take care of that side myself.

How would you describe your experience has been while training with the Reds boys? 

Incredible. Since coming in late last year - it’s such a tight group so I was a little bit nervous, coming into it, knowing that they’re a real close bunch, but they’ve welcomed me in with open arms. You’re training each day with your best mates, it’s such a close group and I guess it drives you to do a little bit better because you know they’re pushing you as well.

What’s been a highlight of this season so far?

Definitely getting my debut, 100%. You know, you do it against the Waratahs down there in those pretty tough conditions and to get good minutes as well, 45 minutes and a win. I was really stoked, I had my family there, I had my mates there, it was pretty special. So it was definitely a highlight.

Awesome! What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?

I’ve been very fortunate, I haven’t had to many bad injury’s so I guess that’s a bonus for me. Probably the challenge to begin with was the drive from the Gold Coast, I was doing that every day. As cliche as it sounds, it was tiring on the body. So moving up here was the first time out of home, that wasn’t too much of a challenge, obviously I had a lot of support. In terms of challenges I’ve been very lucky, as I said it’s a close group and I have a lot of mates around me that are constantly supporting me. I’ve been lucky in that aspect.

From your perspective, which game has been the toughest so far, this season?

From my perspective, the first one that comes to mind is the Fijian Drua game. Out of the games I’ve played in, that Drua game was a bit tough, obviously on the back end they scored 3 tries on us in 5 minutes which just shows how incredible they are, so that’s definitely tough. The other one would be the first time we played the Brumbies, there was some high pressure situations at the end there which made it a bit tougher. So those two are the ones that stick out for me.

Who were your rugby hero’s growing up?

My rugby heroes growing up…….great question. I always loved Will Genia - since watching him play for the Reds, he’s been a massive hero. As I got a bit older, I also idolised Aaron Smith obviously, being a halfback as well. I’ve always looked at his game, as one of the best in the world, so he would be up there as well.

You’ve been playing scrum half, has this always been your position of choice?

No, funnily enough. When I first started playing rugby, I was actually a hooker! I was a little bit chunkier when I was a kid. Once the boys all started getting a little bit bigger, I played flanker until I was about 16, then I only started playing scrum half when I was 16 - 17. I’m fairly new to the position, but I’ve had a few years now, so I’m starting to figure out.

Do you have a favourite post-training food?

Post training food… I mean.. GYG is pretty good! A love a burrito, a bit of Guzie is good. I’d have to say that is up there… a Guzie burrito would definitely be my favourite post training snack.

Thank you again Spencer for taking the time to chat today, enjoy your time off and all the best for the next game!

No worries, thanks for having me. I look forward to seeing you there!

Catching up with Reds Star Ivania Wong

Earlier this week, I was able to catch up with Queensland Reds winger Ivania Wong. She and the team had just beaten the Melbourne Rebels decisively over the weekend (55-5) and are preparing for a big game this weekend against the Waratahs, in the lead up to the finals!

Last weekend was special in many ways. Queensland women players were also honoured and celebrated, and I was lucky to be at Suncorp Stadium to support. There were a few teary eyes in the place as many of the women that have played over the last 27 years were given their numbered cap. (This has been a tradition for the mens squad for many years.)

After the game and presentation, the players, past and present, took part in a "lap of honour" around the stadium.

In my opinion, all of this highlighted the superb quality of rugby that is being played in Queensland and across the whole Super W competition. If you aren't following, now is a great time to do just that!

While you prepare your Stan Sports subscription ahead of this weekends game, I hope you enjoy reading my interview with Ivania Wong!

(You can also catch up on my 2018 interview with her here.) A special thanks to Flick, as always, for arranging the interview.

Hey Ivania, thanks for taking time to chat. Congrats on an amazing performance over the weekend against the Rebels. Everyone smashed it on the field. The atmosphere was great up in the stands.

Thank you!

How are you and the Reds girls feeling after the game?

We’re really happy about winning over the weekend, especially because it was such a special occasion for Queensland womens rugby and getting our caps. So to have past players there, to share that moment with them and to get that win, for all of us really, that have put on that jersey, it was really special. It was a bit emotional as well, I’m not gonna lie (laughs). There were a few tears out there after the game, but it was a really proud moment for us and for women’s rugby.

What were some of your take-aways from the game?

I think the connection between the backs and forwards was really good. The support was always there once there was a break, the team was just working for each other. That’s what made it even more special, the fact that we fought for each other, until the time stopped.

Also, congrats on getting three tries! That must have been pretty special.

Thank you. Yeah, it was pretty special. I got pretty lucky, everyone else did the hard work and I was just in the right place at the right time. Yeah, I got lucky with three tries (laughs.)

How does it feel being one try away from equaling the Queensland record for tries scored?

(Stunned silence). I didn’t know that. I did not know that Tom! That’s pretty surprising!

You’re on 15 tries and the record is 16.

I didn’t know that Tom. I really have to try and beat that record and get over during this game (laughs).

It could happen! Bronwyn Laidlow is the current record holder, with 16.

Oh wow. She’s the one that gave me my cap, I was lucky enough to get my cap from her on Saturday!

That leads me to my next question… last weekend was “Women in Rugby” round. You and many Queensland women, past and present, were honoured after the game. What did you enjoy most about the event? And how does “Cap 187” feel?

It was a pretty special moment. I think for all of us in Queensland, the women that have put on that jersey before us, we wouldn’t be here doing this if it wasn’t for them. So to get to share that with everyone… it was pretty special. And obviously, having our families and everyone with us… ah you got me Tom. I’m not supposed to cry at training.

Yeah that was special to get to do that. And to have them all come on to the field afterwards and interact with them and thank them, really, for what they did for us. Dang it Tom, you made me cry. Don’t tell anyone, ok (laughs.)

When we last caught up, you said your goal was to make the Wallaroos! It looks like you’ve now cemented yourself into that squad. What are your new goals now - in and outside of rugby?

I think this year, my goal going into this Super W season was just to be consistent and play well and do my part for the team. Hopefully my names on that list again after Super W. Hopefully I’ll get to put on the green and gold jersey this year. But my jobs not done yet, I still have to wear the Queensland jersey for now.

What’s your favourite thing to do, when your not playing rugby?

When I’m not playing, I just like to chill. Just relax and get away from rugby and just refresh. I don’t really like to do anything, I just love to chill, relax, freshen up and then get back into it.

Thanks for another great interview. All the best this weekend, against the Waratahs!

I can’t wait! Thanks for having me.

The Queensland Reds kick off for the final round of Super W against the Waratahs this Saturday at 2:20pm!!!

A Conversation with Queensland Reds Captain Liam Wright

I had a great time catching up with Liam Wright down at Ballymore this week. Both he and his co-captain Tate McDermitt are both “leading from the sidelines”, as they are unfortunately both recovering from injuries after last weeks win against the Western Force.

However, Liam was in great spirits! It’s been a while since our last catch up (which was, funnily enough, last time he was injured). I enjoyed hearing his thoughts on where the team is at, as well as what he’s been up to during his downtime.

Hey Liam, thanks for taking the time to come and chat today.

My pleasure.

Even after your injury against the Waratahs, were you able to help with the clean up at Ballymore last week?

Yeah. It was such a weird week with all the floods going on and thoughts go out to everyone affected there. It kind of came on us pretty quickly.

We were planning to come in here on the Monday. At about 12 o’clock Sunday we got a message saying we were all still good to go ahead, that everything’s fine and the waters not going to rise much more. Then 2 hours later we saw a picture of Mafi’s car underwater in the carpark! It happened pretty quickly. Then we had to still train on the Monday and Tuesday and try and fit in as much as we could, so QRU did the brunt of the heavy lifting over here. But they got Ballymore looking in good condition again. So we’re happy to back.

How’s the team feeling about last weeks game against the Force?

The teams feeling good. We were really happy with the way we showed resilience and I think it really showed what’s this team's about, about being Queenslanders. During a tough week for Queenslanders everywhere, we were really happy to put a smile on peoples faces with a good performance - we thought it was probably our best performance of the year so far. Especially with several things going wrong, having nowhere to train, we could only get one session in, we missed our captains run, things like that, flights delayed, but the boys and the girls showed awesome fight, we got some good results and we were able to sing the song proudly in afterwards.

Overall, how do you feel the Reds are going in 2022?

Obviously, we’re pleased to be at 3 and 0, it’s a lot better than it could have been. We understand that a few of those games, that Tahs game especially, we got out of jail a bit. 

But to the boys credit, the way they played and the fight they showed is an embodiment of what this team is about and what we’re trying to build. And then that Force game really showed what we’re capable of doing if we clean up our structures a little bit. The dry weather certainly helped too!

I think if we can take a similar resolve into the Fijian Drua game this week, with fighting for the jersey and for the fans that are gonna come out and watch us that have been through a pretty tough week and a half, then we’ll be alright. Fiji are gonna throw a lot at us, but if we show that fight and put through some of the structures that we can, the boys will go well.

What’s the team focusing on the most ahead of the Fiji Drua game this week?

We just think if we keep focusing on us and our processes and systems, we know that if we connect as a group and play with the same fight that we’ve shown, we can combat all the things they’re gonna throw at us. They play a very different style of footy, in that they’re gonna throw the ball around. Teddy came in last week and changed their game plan around a bit, with a bit more creative kicking and unleashing the "Fijian flair" really. We just think if we focus on our game-plan and play some smart set-piece and tactical kicking, we’ve just gotta front up and be ready to tough it out against some strong Fijians.

Are you enjoying leading the team with Tate?

I am, it’s been really good actually. We sat down at the start of the year and just wanted to make sure that everything we did was to try and better then team… Unfortunately neither of us are playing at the moment [due to injury] but I think the boys are putting their front foot forwards and trying to do what’s best for the team. Hopefully the captains curse has finished by now, but I think Fraser, alongside James and other senior players on that team this week are gonna do exactly what they’ve been doing for the last few weeks and that’s going out and playing tough for Queensland.

Tate and I are trying to do our bit on the sideline for now, and hopefully we’ll be back as soon as possible, but it’s been really great working alongside him and having someone to balance those duties with and push each others creative ideas on how we get better as a team.

What’s your favourite thing to do, during your down time?

(Laughs) That’s a good question. At the moment, my roommates and I have been playing a lot of card games like 500. That’s sort of a Sunday tradition we’ve made.

During my last few injuries, I’ve found myself pulling out 1,000 piece puzzles at the dining room table. Pretty boring sometimes, but it just takes your mind of everything and lets you dive into something else. I don’t mind that just to distract from the whole not being able to play situation.  So probably those two things at the moment.

Thanks again Liam. Looking forward to this weekends game!

My pleasure. Thank Tom!

Both the Women’s and the men are taking on the Fiji Drua this Saturday (12th March) at Suncorp Stadium. The Women’s team kicks off at 4:15pm, and the men at 6:45pm. I can't wait to watch both teams play live!

2022 Interview with Reds Co-Captain Tate McDermott

Welcome to Reds Rugby Rules 2022 !!!!

As I write this, I am the most excited about Super Rugby that I’ve been for a while. As we come out of the pandemic, I’m excited about where Super Rugby is going, and I believe 2022 will be a special one.

I loved getting back to Ballymore several weeks ago to watch Reds train and finish off pre-season. Everyone is in good spirits and ready to rip in.

At Ballymore with 2022 Co-Captains Tate and Liam

A week ago, I caught up with legendary Red in the making, Tate McDermott! I’ve caught up with Tate a number of times and this one was memorable! We’d arranged a Zoom catch up, not knowing that Tate would later test positive to something called Covid-19! He was in good spirits going his “isolation” at home, and it was great asking him questions about the Reds and also his experience so far with the Wallabies!

(And yes, Tate did fully recover and will line-up against the Rebels tomorrow!)

Hey Tate, thanks for taking time to catch up!

How’s isolation treating you?

Yeah, it’s all good. Obviously I can’t leave the house at the moment, but I’m all good. I have people doing iso with me so I’m not on my own. I’m just looking after the lawn (laughs) looking after the plants and making sure I’ve watered them all, I’m pretty bored at the moment and it’s only day 2! I was just lucky I don’t have any symptoms, but yeah, 5 days left, and then hopefully I’ll be good to go for the Rebels next week.

It’s been a while since we last caught up! A lots happened since then…

To start with, how was Christmas for you? Did you have a good break after the Wallabies Spring Tour?

It was really good. Really good. I’d just gotten out of hotel quarantine, so to be out of there just in time was great. I grew up next to the beach, so being in a hotel on the Gold Coast, with no fresh air, being able to see the beach but not go there was tough… so Christmas for me was just by the beach with my family, up at the Sunshine Coast in Mudjimba and I loved it. My sister came back from Tasmania, my brother was out at the mines for a little bit so they were all back and just to be around them for a little bit was really cool. So that’s where I was, I was at the beach with them and just absolutely loving it.

I’m extremely excited about this years Super Rugby season. I think it’s going to be a special one.

Yeah 100% Tommy, I’m super excited as well. 

It’s been a while since I’ve thrown on the maroon and played for Queensland.

Congratulations on becoming team captain - along with Liam! I believe you’ll be an awesome leader of the team this year. How will it look having 2 captains? Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Yeah. So it’ll be my first year, but Liam’s been there for the last couple of years, so he’ll be the guy that speaks to the referees. We'll split media pretty even, but he’s roped above me, which is fair enough, cos he’s been doing it the past few years

and he’s a really good mate of mine as well, so we've got a really good relationship where if either of us disagree, we can speak up to each other.

In terms of how we go on field, my role doesn't really change cos being a half-back anyway, your job is to tell people what to do, where to go, so I guess the only thing that will kind of change is having those conversations on the field, like whether we take the 3 points or the scrum, that type of stuff. It’s definitely exciting and a huge honour as well.

What are you looking forward to the most about this year?

Just to replicate and continue what we did last year. I think we did really well against the Australian sides, but I can’t wait to stick it to the kiwis as well. After last years disappointment, I think its massive for us to really stamp our authority on this competition and that’ll hopefully start when the borders open up, I think our first game should is against the Hurricanes. At the moment, our focus is on the Rebels, but I’m really excited to play the kiwis and give them a run for their money.

Our last interview was shortly before you were selected for the Wallabies back in 2020. What were some of your best memories from your debut?

Yeah. It was amazing. It was everything I wanted, apart from the result. We actually got flogged by New Zealand. But everything you dream of, Stadium Australia, facing the haka, I think it was pouring with rain actually... particularly with my good mate Fraser McCreight, as well.

But regardless of the result, it was pretty special for me and my family. I think the highlight that year was the game after when we beat New Zealand, at Suncorp as well!

I remember that game well! I was there!

That was pretty special, it was amazing mate. I guess this year was probably better from a Wallabies point of view, for me, I got a couple more runs in that nine jersey, which is the goal and we had a couple of wins at home, which was pretty special.

You actually beat me to my next question. What were some highlights of playing for the Wallabies last year? Home and Spring Tour games included.

Yeah I can go into more detail, that’s alright! I think my favourite games last year were the French series. I’ve never played 3 games in 11 days and for everything to come down to the third match in the series where we beat France with 14 men, on my first start, I think that’s something I think I’ll never forget, that was special to do that at home in front of my friends and family… a couple of other highlights were playing New Zealand twice in a row, we lost both those games, but that was pretty special to say that I’ve played at Eden Park, against Aaron Smith. That’s something that as a kid you never thought you were going to do, but something you wanted to do. The Spring Tour was pretty cool, I obviously didn’t play too much, but to got to places like Murrayfield, Twickenham and Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was phenomenonal. From a kid that used to get up at 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning to watch those games, to actually be in one, where there’s 83,000 people at Twickenham, was something that I’ll never forget.

I know all of your focus is on the Reds right now, but I would like to say congratulations on making the Wallabies over the last few seasons - you made all of us Reds fans so proud.

Thanks Tommy. Thanks brother.

Here’s a random question to finish with: What’s your favourite thing to eat after a game?

That’s a great question. We don’t have it any more, but we used to have these fresh homemade sushi roles that would be in the changing rooms after games. They were beautiful.

I do get hungry after games, but I don’t eat too much… But that would definitely be my go-to if they’re available. We used to have a catering service, but that stopped cos of covid. So now we just get burgers delivered. They’re alright. But, hopefully the sushi comes back this year.

Thanks heaps for taking time to chat. I hope the rest of isolation goes ok. Enjoy the game on Saturday night!

Will do. Thank Tommy! Thanks for having me mate!

The Reds first official game of the season is tomorrow night, 19th February at Suncorp Stadium!!!!

Wallabies on the way up, with Reds at the helm

At the end of a long hard Rugby Championship series, there’s lots for Wallabies fans to be happy about! We were outclassed by the All-Blacks in the first few games, however, going on to win four games in a row against the world champion Springboks and the Pumas, is an incredible effort. The Wallabies deserve to feel “on top of the world”.

This is where I come into the picture, to point out the crucial efforts of our Queensland team in achieving that result.

Taniela Tupou is the obvious choice to start with. I know I might be biased, but Rennie needs to keep the best #3 in the world in the starting line-up, during the upcoming spring tour. His contribution to the side was massive through the whole series. I know his “influence” has risen over the years, but he’s still a kind, humble human being. I’ve loved catching up with after training him this year, when restrictions allowed. My only official interview with him however, was back in 2017. It’s still a good read.

Samu Kerevi was recalled!!!! I’m so glad that Rugby Australia came to their senses and made some rule changes so Rennie could pick the best team. Best #12 in the world? Maybe!

My most recent interview with Samu is here.

Quade Cooper is another obvious comeback story to discuss!!!! I’ve always had love for Quade. Even though the last few years have been difficult in some ways, I think his time away has made him even stronger in the long run. “Once a red always a red” is always true, at least that’s how this Reds fan sees it!

And the same goes for Isaac Rodda, who stormed his way back into the starting line-up.

As we all expected, Jordan Petaia made an impact after recovering from injury. Watch out for some wild off-loads and likely a few tries during the Spring Tour! And check out my interview with him from earlier this year here.

Tate McDermott has officially left his mark on the international stage in the green and gold. But if you asked him right now, I’ll guarantee you he’d say he’s desperate to see more success with the Wallabies and keen to see them right through to the 2023 World Cup. Keep your eyes on this young man, I have a feeling he's just getting started.

James Slipper is another great Queenslander who's been steering the Wallabies ship this year. James was my first ever official interviewee on this blog, you can read the interview here. Regardless of what team he plays for at the moment, again....

"Once a Red, always a Red."

There are a number of Reds (current and former) that contributed to the great momentum that the team has. But I’ll leave it at that for now. I really believe there are great things ahead for Australian rugby and that the Reds influence will be at the helm for a long time to come!

Australia will play Japan on Saturday 23rd October at 2:45pm

On the Road to Dirranbandi for Paul Kelly & Friends

This is a rugby blog, but after having such an amazing road trip and weekend away in Dirranbandi I thought I’d share about it here! I’m looking forward to sharing more about the Reds soon...

Repping the Reds 2021 Indigenous Jersey while listening to my favourite singer of all time 

A few years ago, Paul Kelly organised a festival in Dirranbandi (or “Dirran” as the locals call it.) It was going to happen again last year, but got cancelled for obvious reasons. Fortunately things clear just enough for it to go ahead in 2021!

We drove out on Saturday and stayed the night in a little town called “Westmar” We managed to score free accommodation and meals because my two mates Chris and Jake played some live music for them in the evening! The Westmar locals were a nice crowd and the hospitality was top-notch!

Jake and Chris made the locals happy with some live tunes

Outside the Westmar Roadhouse before heading to Dirranbandi

Westmar is in between St George and Dalby... one of the many nice small towns we visited.

The next morning we drove to Dirran and upon arrival, made our way straight to the main stage!

The sound was loud and the music was awesome. Brisbane local Benny Nelson and his band turned me into a new fan! Hope D also entertained the crowd with her loop pedal skills, before the big man arrived...

Troy Cassar-Daley

Troy Cassar-Daley is my favourite artist of all time. That’s saying something because I’m a huge Johnny Cash fan. People often ask me what type of music I like. The answer is all types of music, but mainly country and classic rock. If I had to listen one style of music all day, it would be country!

Troy is my favourite singer for a lot of reasons and many of them were in on full display during this show. His singing, his relatability, his story-telling and amazing musicianship were all on display. Even more impressive was the fact that he played with only two other musicians, a 3 piece band! (Most country singers have another guitarist on stage with them to fill out the sound, but because of Covid restrictions, it was just him, a drummer and a bass player.) His guitar playing was flawless! No doubt, there are not many world-class singers out there that could be the lone guitarist in a band and still pull off a show like the one we witnessed!

He sang my current favourite of his, “Back on Country” and a number of my favourites like “Dream out Loud” and “Trains”. He even pulled out a surprise cover of “The Gambler”, which the crowd loved.

It was pretty exciting meeting Troy for the first time. Hopefully it won't be the last.

After that, it was on with the show. The great Russell Morris was on next with his band! (He’s the guy that sings “The Real Thing”) and then to mix things up, Ian Moss put on a great solo set.

After that, the OTHER big guy got up. Paul Kelly put on a massive show with a huge band. Thanks to someone special helping me out, I got a front row seat. As you can expect, he sang all classic like “How to Make Gravy” and “From Little Things Big Things Grow”.

He even had Troy back on to sing their song “Wish I was a Train”. What a night!

We went back to our camping ground knowing we had witnessed something special. Many of  country folks (and a few city folks) had an amazing time and we felt even better knowing that the money raised from the event was going towards a local Agricultural Studies program and scholarship. It was good to see that Alliance Airlines had sponsored the event, helping out with some free chartered flights. (Alliance are also one of the Queensland Reds great sponsors, in case you didn't know.)

Thanks to Paul Kelly and our mate Danny Sheehan for putting on an awesome event. I'm looking forward to next time already!

I can't wait to get on the road again....

Reds Dominate Wallabies Squad in 2021

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that the Wallabies season is all go for 2021. We are one game into a three test series against France… and what a game we witnessed at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night! (Unfortunately for New South Wales residents, game one was moved from Sydney to Brisbane… however, Brisbane rugby fans were happy they could watch an extra match live this year.)

The Wallabies were down 15-0 at one point during the first half, but they showed a lot of character coming back to win 23-21. I know I’m biased, but I’d like to point out that there was a big shift in the game after Taniela Tupou and Tate McDermitt came off the bench.

Game two is on Tuesday 13th July in Melbourne….

Game three is on Saturday 17th July… as planned, back in Brisbane!!! (I can’t wait.)

To celebrate the international rugby season, I thought I’d profile the Reds that are in the current Wallabies squad!! There are many players here that Queenslanders can be proud of. Let’s go Wallabies!!!!

Reds in the Current Wallabies Squad

James O’Connor

James has had a terrific couple of seasons back at the Reds, even stepping up to the Captains role while Liam Wright was injured. He’s been recovering from an injury ever since the end of this years Super Rugby season, but hopefully will be ready for an appearance against France during game 2 or 3! He can fill a range of positions, but personally I’d love to see him in the number 10 jersey this year.

Check out my interview with James from last year here!

Tate McDermott

Tate got a big cheer from the crowd when he came off the bench during game 1 on Wednesday… it’s clear he has the support of rugby fans across Queensland and Australia, myself included! His passion for the game and for the Wallabies jersey has been obvious to me since I first caught up with him in 2018 and I’ve loved watching him get better and better over the years!

Also, you can read my latest interview with him in 2020 here!

Taniela Tupou

Taniela is one of the great props in Australia and I would say world rugby. He’s an awesome guy, often called “Tongan Thor” by fans here in Queensland. He made his mark coming off the bench during Wednesdays game, helping the Wallabies come back. I hope he is in the starting line-up for game two.

I caught up with with Tanielia in 2017 and he shared his fascinating story with me. It’s a must read for Reds fans.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

I loved watching Lukhan’s rise in Australian rugby. He’s a beautiful gentle-giant, except when he’s on the rugby field. You can read my interviews with him from 2017 and 2020. Right now, it looks like he’s going to have the Wallabies jersey on lock for a long time to come.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa

Affectionately known as BPA, Brandon has risen to the top spot in Australian rugby during his four seasons at the Reds. He started in the number 2 spot on Wednesday, scoring the Wallabies first try which began their come-back. I’m going to miss him a lot while he’s in France for the next two years, but hopefully he comes back to Queensland when that’s finished!

Check out one of our great chats here.

Harry Wilson

Harry needs no introduction to rugby fans these days. I will mention though that back in 2019 Harry told me he had the Reds number 8 jersey in his sights. It turns out that the Wallabies jersey was calling his name also! Maybe some things are meant to be.

Check out my conversation with him here.

Hunter Paisami

Hunter ripped onto the Super Rugby scene in 2020, claiming his Wallabies jersey also!  Known for barn-storming runs, he’s definitely a player to look out for during the Wallabies games in 2021. (I’ve yet to do an interview with him, but hopefully we’ll be able to do that sometime this year.)

Filipo Daugunu

Reds fans have a lot of love for this guy! To quote Hamish Stewart, he’s an “electric” player with the ball in hand. There’s a lot of competition for the wingers in the Wallabies, but hopefully we’ll see him get some good runs in this year!

Check out my interview with Filipo (alongside Samu) here.

Fraser McCreight

Fraser debuted for the Reds in 2019 and has proven to be huge asset for Queensland. He went on to debut for the Wallabies last year and I’m hoping Dave Rennie gives him a shot this year! I really believe he has so much potential and is one player to watch out for year. I had an awesome chat with him back in 2018 while he was on the rise here.