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CHANGING A LOSING HABIT
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Reds head coach Brad Thorn needs to get his team winning against New Zealand teams to have any chance of challenging for the title.
LAST YEAR:
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SEVENTH
The Reds started strongly, winning seven of their first eight games, before falling away as injuries took their toll. The Reds struggled against Kiwi opposition and were overtaken by ACT Brumbies and the Waratahs in the race to be the top Aussie team.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
Queensland will play five home games at Suncorp Stadium and two at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium, including the opening match against the Hurricanes. Last year, the Reds jumped out to an impressive early 17–0 lead against the Hurricanes before falling away dramatically to lose 30–17.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
The loss of Taniela Tupou casts a shadow over the Reds. The world-class tighthead prop suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon last November, after having missed the final month of last year’s Super Rugby Pacific season with a calf injury. Tighthead props of Tupou’s class are as rare as Australian Super Rugby Pacific wins against Kiwi teams, so the Reds will need to rebuild their scrum to give the talented backline enough front-foot ball. Australia A tighthead Harry Hoopert is also injured, leaving the Reds reliant on 21-year-old Zane Nonggorr and Phransis Sula-Siaosi, promoted from Brisbane club, Souths.
Sula-Siaosi, Brisbane North flanker Connor Anderson and former Wallaby Luke Jones, who returns to Australia from Racing 92 in Paris, are the only new players added to the squad from 2022. More than 90 per cent of the squad (34 players) have graduated to Super Rugby Pacific through the Queensland Rugby pathway. Former All Blacks, Highlanders and Chiefs prop Kane Hames has joined the coaching group, alongside head coach Thorn and assistants Jim McKay, Phil Blake and Mick Heenan.
“We are proud of the Queensland pathway connection within the 2023 Reds squad,” says Reds general manager of professional rugby, Sam Cordingley.
“We welcome this ahead of a significant year for the club as we celebrate 140 years of Queensland rugby. We’re pleased to welcome Kane to Ballymore. He is another great asset within our experienced coaching team.”
All Blacks legend Thorn is about to start his sixth season in charge and will demand consistently higher standards this campaign. He knows his team simply has to start beating their traditional rivals from over the Tasman. The Reds have just one win over their Kiwi rivals in the last two seasons but came close against the Chiefs and Highlanders last year.
Much has been written about the demotion of James O’Connor from the Wallabies last year by coach Dave Rennie. Many believe it was a mistake to leave out the experienced O’Connor, who has undoubted talent but question marks remain over his ability to perform consistently. His rugby renaissance starts in February with guiding the Reds around the park and winning the key moments. If he does that then he definitely has a chance as a World Cup starter.
Halfback Tate McDermott is another match winner and one of the bravest players to wear the number 9 jersey. His speed around the ruck gives his team attacking momentum and makes him a standout player. If he can step up to his best form in 2023, it could well determine whether this is a memorable season or not for the Reds.
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Luke Jones (Racing 92), Phransis Sula-Siaosi (Brisbane), Connor Anderson (Brisbane).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Feao Fotuaika (Lyon), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Rebels), Alex Mafi (Rebels), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Northampton), Angus Scott-Young (Northampton).
Backs: Hamish Stewart (Force).
Reds
Coach: Brad Thorn
Captain: Liam Wright
Home grounds: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane; Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Website: reds.rugby
Tickets: am.ticketmaster.com/redsrugby
Contact: St. George Rugby House, 231 Butterfield Street, Herston, Queensland 4006 Phone: +61 1300 753 733
Team TAB odds: $15.00
Queensland Reds Squad
FORWARDS:
Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Taniela Tupou, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Richie Asiata, Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, George Blake, Angus Blyth, Lopeti Faifua, Ryan Smith, Luke Jones, Wilson Blyth, Connor Vest, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Connor Anderson, Keynan Tauakipulu.
BACKS: Spencer Jeans, Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Mac Grealy, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey.
