It’s just 21 days until the Queensland Reds open their Super Rugby Pacific season by hosting Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, February 21.
With the side currently in the Northern Hemisphere undertaking a unique pre-season schedule against English Premiership contender Bristol Bears early on Saturday morning (AEST) and Ulster (February 7), we’re counting down 21 reasons to be excited about the Reds this season.
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1. International Pedigree – With 19 capped internationals in the squad, as well as a number of uncapped players who toured the UK with the Australia XV squad late last year, there’s greater depth and competition for places than ever before.
2. Lock Stocks – Nowhere is this competition more apparent than at lock. Returning Red Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and new signing Josh Canham are fighting for places alongside Wallaby Angus Blyth, 2024 standout Ryan Smith, Connor Vest and utility forward Seru Uru. Choosing the ideal lock combination for the varied challenges of different opponents is going to be a constant challenge for Les Kiss and his coaching team.
3. Second-Year Reds – 2024 saw a number of Reds players make their Super Rugby debut, and they’ll be looking to take it up a level in 2025. The likes of Tim Ryan, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Louis Werchon and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips showed real glimpses at Super Rugby level for the first time in 2024. With another pre-season under their belts, they will be looking to usurp some of their more experienced teammates for starting spots.
4. Junkyard Dog – The JYD, Tim Ryan, earned plenty of headlines in his maiden Super Rugby campaign in 2024. He scored two hat-tricks and nine tries in all as he announced himself to the world. He’s an excitement machine who puts bums on his seats. Grrrrr!
5. Suncorp Stadium Going Off – Speaking of bums on seats, the atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium was awesome in 2024 – and no moreso than when the Reds hosted Wales in July, with nearly 24,000 people there. Crowds were up 34% year-on-year last year.
6. Try-Time Excitement - Last year. the Reds scored more tries (69) in a season than at any other time since professional rugby began in 1996. There was edge-of-the-seat excitement like the 11-try spectacle when the Reds met the Blues in the Anzac Weekend Round. There's more in store in 2025.
7. Ardie Savea & Moana head to Brisbane – Former World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea headlines the Reds’ first opponent Moana Pasifika, who pipped the Reds in New Zealand last year – an unhappy memory for sure. It’s a challenging first-up fixture that has been circled on the calendar for quite some time.
8. The Kiwis Are Coming - Three wins over Kiwi opponents in 2024 was a landmark last achieved in a season by the Reds in 2013. The quality of match-ups against teams likes the Blues, Chiefs and Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium produced some of the best rugby of the season. In 2025, watch out for the visits of the Blues (April 25) and Hurricanes (May 23).
9. Home Fans - The Reds are better with you supporting them. The noise and backing of a home crowd is a tangible factor. All the players say so. In 2024, the home record at Suncorp Stadium was 5-2 and those two losses were last-gasp against the Brumbies and Blues. See you at Suncorp Stadium.
10. Another crack at victory in Suva – There’s no tougher place to travel in Super Rugby than Suva. It’s a sign of respect that the Fijian Drua are again making the Reds take two flights (Brisbane to Nadi, Nadi to Suva) on our travels in 2025. Filipo Daugunu and Seru Uru will return to their homeland determined to get one over Reds old boy Peni Ravai.
11. Backrow Leaders – With two Wallaby captains (Harry Wilson and Liam Wright), as well as incumbent Wallaby flanker Fraser McReight, there’s no shortage of leadership and experience in the Reds backrow. The cohesion is off the charts, the trio having played together for years. While Uru, Bryant and Brial will all aim up to earn their starting spots at stages, there’s no doubt the Wright-McReight-Wilson combo is a major plus for the Reds.
12. Fraser McReight Encore - The headgeared flanker sets a high bar. He has been Australia's Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024. He's a blur of breakdown timing, link play and so much more.
13. Aussie Derbies at Suncorp – A one-point loss to the Brumbies prevented a home clean sweep of Aussie rivals in 2024. While there’s no conference system involved in Super Rugby, winning matches against the other Australian teams is critical. In a Lions year, it’s also where individuals can test each other against rivals for a Wallaby jersey. These clashes are always tasty.
14. British & Irish Lions – How could we get this far without mentioning the Lions series? A once-in-twelve years phenomenon, Brisbane will come alive when the Reds host the touring Lions on July 2, before the Wallabies host them at Suncorp on July 19. For those in attendance, the memories last a lifetime. For those on the field? It’s a chance to make history. There'll be 50,000 at Suncorp Stadium for this match so search out a ticket.
15. Halves Clicking – Tate McDermott and Tom Lynagh are getting better and better as a halves duo, and strong Super Rugby performances are the best way to try and ensure they get an opportunity to also play together in gold. Lynagh is tougher than he is often given credit for. He is often targeted physically but always bounces up. McDermott is world class, as quick and snipy as any No.9 in world Rugby.
16. Christchurch Sequel? – 2024 saw the Reds win against the Crusaders in Christchurch for the first time in 25 years. A return across the ditch in Round Four presents the chance to replicate that achievement. Former Reds playmaker James O’Connor has lobbed at the Crusaders, an interesting subplot. New Reds signing Heremaia Murray has come in the opposite direction. Can history repeat itself?
17. Tighthead Master & Apprentice – Jeffery To’omaga-Allen is the most experienced player in the Reds squad, and the former All Black and Samoan International showed in 2024 that he has still got plenty to offer at this level. A big personality on the field (and on Instagram), he’ll be competing with and working alongside Massimo De Lutiis. ‘Mass’ is yet to play Super Rugby but was in the latest Wallaby training camp and has made an impression in Queensland's international fixtures over the past seven months. With Wallaby Zane Nonggorr in the mixer as well, expect all three to push each other every inch of the way in 2025. Anticipate seeing all three in action at different times.
18. Anzac Day Spectacle – Last year’s Anzac Weekend Round clash against the Blues was the match of the year. Tim Ryan’s heroics were over-shadowed by a late Blues try which clinched a narrow victory for the eventual title winners. This year’s match against the same opponents will take place on ANZAC Day itself, a magnificent occasion for Queensland and Australian Rugby with another full pre-game service recognising the service and sacrifice of Australian and Kiwi troops. A new tradition and a special occasion.
19. Midfield Maestros – Hunter Paisami was arguably the form Australian back in the first half of Super Rugby last year. After signing a new contract that keeps him in Australian rugby until the end of 2026, he will be keen to again show the form that’s seen him contend heavily for the Wallaby No.12 jersey. After making his international debut in 2024, Josh Flook will again look to make the outside centre spot his own, his burgeoning combination with Paisami in both attack and defence critical for the Reds’ chances. A returning Isaac Henry and young gun Dre Pakeho will add genuine competition for places.
20. Kids Round - The March 15 clash against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium is part of Kids Round. There's fun for the kids at every home game but the appeal for our youngest fans will be amped up here for a great night.
21. Let's Get Started - The Reds open their 2025 campaign by fielding a strong squad to face English club Bristol in Bristol early on Saturday morning. The gelling the squad can get on tour against varied opposition is well established over time. The season is upon us.
