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.

A Conversation with Queensland Lock Annabelle Codey

Last week (before these crazy lockdowns) I had a great time visiting the Reds Super W team's training down at Ballymore. Before they got stuck into on field training, I had the pleasure of interviewing the teams lock Annabelle Codey. We caught up about everything rugby related, including an explanation for rugby new-comers about her particular role on the field. She also shared some advice that her Dad has given her over the years and her own advice for up-and-coming players.

Since we caught up in Brisbane, the Reds have played twice - beating the Melbourne Rebels 17-12 and as well as the President's XV squad 54-5. The Reds are set to square off once again, against the Waratahs in the Super W final! Make sure you tune in for what's set to be an EPIC rematch. With the Wallaroos games coming up later in the year, now is the best time to be an Australian rugby fan!

The Queensland Reds play the NSW Waratahs in the Super W final at 1:30pm this Saturday!! You can watch the game live on Stan Sport.

What do you think the teams biggest takeaway was, after last weeks [round 1] game against New South Wales?

I think for us, we probably let nerves get the better of us. We had a lot of debutants and new faces and I think the damage was done in that first half. We did come back in the second half, but yeah the damage was done in the first half. So we really want to come out, have a sense of urgency and be aggressive off the ball and very “mongrel”. It didn’t go to plan last week, so that’s what we’re really focusing on this week.

Is lock your favourite position to play? Also, have you played in many other positions in the past?

Yes, it is. I like being in the scrum, particularly in the second row. If I could have a choice, I’d love to have a run in the center’s, but I don’t think they’ll ever put me there, I’ve always played lock. Sometimes I’ll drop to flank [number 6 or 7] or sometimes at club, I’ll drop to number 8 if they’re short, but predominantly I’ve played at lock, that’s my position.

With the level that you and the team are playing at, I’m sure rugby is winning new fans. How would you describe the “lock” position to someone that’s reading that’s new to rugby and will be watching you this weekend?

That’s a good question! Tom, good one. A fair few of my mates don’t know much about rugby. They're always saying “what are you doing in that eight?” We’re a “set-piece” player. I didn’t jump in the line outs over the weekend, because it was a bit too windy but we always have to dominate the “set-piece” plays, in the line-outs, in the scrum, we’re the engine room, pushing out front-rowers to get the job done and then, off the ball, we want to be devastating ball carriers and just work hard. We’re very similar to our flankers, but I think the locks work harder (laughs). 

Last year, you helped start the Women’s side at Easts rugby club and went on to win the premiership that same year! Congratulations!

Thank you!

Can you tell me a bit about that journey?

Yeah. Previously, I was at Wests for two seasons. But my families always been close to Easts, my brother played there for juniors and I know dad coached there, so I said if they ever think about starting a woman’s team there, I’ll go back. So we went back, started the team and it was just a whirlwind. We played a lot better than we thought and we obviously took out the premiership. It was a really, really surreal season - everything happened so quickly. But the girls worked really hard and came together. It was just awesome.

I love hearing about people’s rugby journeys. How did you first start playing the game?

So I was a bit of a netballer, I wasn’t into contact too much. Then in 2016 or 17, Courtney Horan, that’s Tim Horan’s daughter, said come along to a training session and try it. So I said “yep, I’ll give it a go.” So I started playing Sevens and Tens and then they said “do you want to have a crack at Fifteens”. I was a bit intimidated, but I gave it a go and never look back!

I was a bit late to the party, because I went to an all girls school and it wasn’t really around, which sucks (but now it is). But yeah, once I started playing, I just kept going and here we are!

I interviewed your Dad a few years ago and we had a great chat. What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you?

Probably, when I play, leave nothing out there, leave nothing in the tank whether that’s for 20 minutes of 80 minutes. He always says “100% work rate”. And I agree with that, because sometimes I can slack off, so that’s good advice... and also be an absolute menace. Pretty much, bash the heck out of the opposition (laughs) because Dad was always an aggressive player so he always tells me to do that. and he always lets me know after games if I’ve done well or not. But he’s the only one that can tell me that, he gives me very honest feedback. But yeah, you’re wearing the Queensland colours so just get out there and play like a Queenslander.

What’s some advice you’d give to rugby players, both boys and girls, that want to some day play for their state?

I guess, it seriously is a game for all different sizes, backgrounds, it’s a very welcoming game. I’ve always found that. So if you’re thinking of playing and trying out at your local club, just do it and see how you go. I think you’ll want to come back. And for me, I’ve been in the squad for a few seasons, but never cracked it [the main squad squad]. So perseverance as well, just always keep working and never give up. 

Thanks heaps for your time. All the best for your trip down to Coffs Harbour! If I can’t be there to watch, you know I’ll be watching the games on Stan.

Oh thanks Tom! I know we’re going to beat the Waratahs for you.

Linking up with Lucy Lockhart pt. 2

Super W is back!!!!

And to celebrate, I caught up with Reds Vice-Captain and Wallaroo Lucy Lockhart. I last caught up with Lucy back in 2018, during the first ever Super W season. We caught about all things rugby and also, what she got up to during her two years away in England.

This is an exciting month for Women's rugby in Australia. Round one was played last weekend at Easts Rugby club where the New South Wales squad took out the Reds after an excellent first half performance. The Reds outscored the Waratahs in the second half, but still went down 47-26. Overall, everyone I talked to agreed it an awesome game of rugby!

It was great to catch up with Kirby Sefo (former
Queensland captain) and my cousin Grace

If you're not following Super W, now is a great time to get on board. The rest of the competition will be held in Coffs Harbour over the next few weeks. (All games are live on Stan!) Our Reds play the Melbourne Rebels this Sunday at 1pm.

Make sure you tune in and enjoy my chat with Lucy in the mean time...

Hi Lucy, great to see you. Thank you for taking the time to come back and talk with me again.

Any time!

I know the Super W season has just started and you’ve had your first game for Queensland - but first of all, a huge congratulations on making the Wallaroos squad!!!

Thank you.

How did it feel getting the call up?

Oh, it was amazing. So I’ve just come back from the UK, I was playing in England for a couple of years and I came back because of Covid. Probably a couple of months into it, they gave me the call up, asking to to come and trial at one of the training sessions, because they watched me and my game overseas. They called me to train and said “yep - I love your work, we’d like you to join the Wallaroos squad.” I was absolutely over the moon, it’s been a goal of mine ever since I started.

Tough loss after last week - but I know you’ll bounce back. I think both teams played outstandingly. What were your thoughts on the game?

It took us a while to get into the game, in the first half New South Wales were very clinical. It got us off our feet a little bit, but in the second half we found that “Queensland mongrel” within us to go forward - we could not go down without a fight.

Lucy breaks through a tackle at Easts Rugby Club.
[Photo cred: Stephen Tremain]

Queensland mongrel, I like that. Congratulations on getting the role of Vice Captain! I know you’ll be a great leader for the team this year.

Thank you.

What did you get up to during your time in England?

I loved there for a couple of years to teach - I’m a high school teacher. I taught and played professional rugby for the Worcester Warriors. I was happy, I got to travel a bit with rugby and with the school. I got to take the kids to Zambia! That was pretty cool. As a teacher, it was hard work, but it was a good experience! I got malaria, but that’s another story (laughs.)

You’re a very multi talented individual! I know you’re a part of the Australian defence force. Also, I found out you represented Queensland in softball back in the day.

Yes I did (laughs.) I played softball, probably back in 2007 or 2008, when I was in high school. I was in the army for 8 years and stayed there until 2018 and that’s when I went to the UK. I was in the army when I last spoke to you.

Is rugby your number one passion?

Absolutely.

What are your personal goals, both inside and outside of sport?

Inside sport, I’d love to run out with the Wallaroos in a test match and get a cap or two, but I’d also like to coach a few teams and develop the pathways for young girls.

I coach at my school in Miami! We’ve got a pretty good team at Miami High.

All the best for the trip down to Coffs this weekend, and the rest of the tournament! If I’m not there, I’ll be watching on Stan!!!

Awesome. I can not wait. You’ll have to send me some feedback! (Laughs.)

Kicking Back with Mac: A Conversation with Mac Grealy

After my whirlwind trip to Townsville, it's been good watching the Reds get back to business at Ballymore. Two losses and one win into the trans-tasman series, the team is super-focused.

Photo cred: Saucey 

Ahead of their game against the Auckland Blues, I had the chance to catch up with Reds up-and-comer Mac Grealy! At 19, Mac is one of the youngest players on the team and I believe he has huge potential. We caught up about a bunch of things, including what he's working on in his personal game and one of his hobbies outside of rugby.

With players like Mac around, the future of the Reds is very bright!

Hey Mac, thanks heaps for your time.

No worries!

How’s this weeks training gone with the boys?

Yeah. To be honest, it’s been a bit tough, because there’s been a few injuries… It’s been a bit of a lighter training week, because it’s a Friday game... there’s a bit of excitement too, because it is a Friday game, last home game at Suncorp -we're looking forward to the challenge.

What have you been working on in your own game?

That’s a good question. Obviously, I'm just trying to crack Super Rugby, so there’s a lot of things I can improve. But when it comes to things I’m particularly working on, things like kicking, tackle technique, cos I’m a bit of a smaller guy, a younger guy, I’ve got to be quite technical, so they’re probably my two main focus areas. Obviously every other part of my game I can improve, but they’d be the two main ones.

I love hearing about people’s rugby journeys. What inspired you to first play rugby?

There’s a different few things. I’ve got two older brothers, one older sister but my older brothers, they started playing when they were eight and five, I think I was three at the time, so that’s when I started getting around the rugby environment. By the time I was five, my dad couldn’t keep me away. I think I started playing under-6s then, and I think I just loved the competitiveness of it. I’ve always been a very competitive person and sports always been something I loved. Throughout my life, I kind of got good at it and enjoyed that, and then got to take things to another level. I probably didn’t expect it to happen as fast as it has, because only a couple of years ago I hadn’t made the Queensland one team. Literally two years ago. Then the first time I did, I was 17 and I came off the bench. I suppose, just being from Toowoomba, I just loved playing footy and that’s all I wanted to do. I loved the camaraderie with my mates and to be able to now play as a lifestyle is a huge thing for me and I want to take it as far as I can, and play for as long as I can, because I just love playing footy. There’s been no family member or other person that made me, it’s just the enjoyment of getting out there and attacking it. 

You came from Toowoomba to Brisbane during your first year out of school and had an awesome season with Uni last year. I’m guessing it was study that brought you to Brisbane?

Yeah. Originally I was definitely looking to further my studies and the opportunity to play rugby was a huge one. Apart from my dad’s playing at South’s (he was a Souths old boy), I didn’t have a club affiliation and it made sense to to me personally to go to Uni, to compete against the best players, with historically, 10 grand finals in a row... So to be in that environment, I knew it would be beneficial for me and as the season went out, I knew I was getting the hardest type of game simulations at training and then I had the best players on my team. To be able to play with players that have been around the world that are so good at footy just makes it easier. Uni, it’s a great club. So yeah, study took me there and rugby kept me there.

Congrats on making the Reds academy and now the Reds squad. The future looks bright with players like you around. What are some of the big things you’ve learnt since being based here at Ballymore?

Some of the biggest things… There’s a lot of things on the field I’ve definitely learnt, just around how to prepare for my job and how the little things often are the biggest contributions in games... I’ve always been trying to make big plays and highlights and stuff, but to focus on those little plays has been huge. Off the field, it’s also been really beneficial, just learning how to prep for games and also how to enjoy life away from footy - that's been a huge part of it.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Well, believe it or not I can play the piano. Growing up I always played piano, it was one of my little hobbies. I don’t think anyone else here would know that. I used to play a bit of “Dancing Queen” for Mum… it used to pop off (laughs).

Everyone needs a bit of music in their life! Thanks Mac for your time. See you at Suncorp on Friday! Let’s go Reds!

Cheers Tommy! Hopefully it’s another good win, and another good match-ball for you.

Reds Rugby Rules heads to Townsville

Last weekend I joined a large group of Reds members for a day trip to Townsville! It was an awesome experience, ending with a win by Queensland, against the Chiefs. (What a great game it was, but I’ll get to that soon.)

We left Brisbane just before midday, on Saturday morning. The flight was pretty comfortable and enjoyable!

Then after landing in Townsville, we headed to the Cowboys Leagues club for lunch with the crew - the steak (and the company) was pretty good!

We did have a few hours to kill before the gates opened and I was lucky to hear a great local band playing outdoors, around the corner. ACDC, Screaming Jets and a whole lot classics that everyone loves… it was awesome.

After that, I made my way to “Queensland Country Bank Stadium”, known to the locals as “Cowboys Stadium” (no idea why!)

The brand new stadium was very easy to get around (easily “accessible”, as they say) and thanks to Minako and the Reds Membership crew, we had some of the best seats in the house. Before the game, we heard some great speeches and stories from a few past Reds and Wallabies, including Angus Scott-Youngs dad, Sam. I enjoyed chatting with him and some of the other rugby legends also. (No photo to prove it, but it was fun.)

We sat right next to tunnel before the players ran out for the game. It’s been a while since I’ve been that close to the field - again… it was pretty fun!

Close up shot of Filipo Daugunu and the boys running out

Photo cred: Minako from the Reds Membership team

As Reds fans will have heard, it was a great result for Queensland. 5 tries in a row by the Reds, put them ahead 33-3 at half-time. A second half rally almost saw the Chiefs come back, but the Reds finished strong and held out in front of a very loud crowd.

After the game, we travelled straight to the airport and caught the same chartered plane back to Brisbane! We landed just after 1am… (I’m pretty sure the Reds staff were tired too.) What an amazing trip it was though.

Thanks heaps to Minako the Reds team for organising the tour. I can’t wait until the next one!