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.

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.)