The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and Rugby Australia are proud to announce Hunter Paisami has re-signed with Queensland and Australian Rugby through 2024.
After debuting for the Reds in 2020, the hard-tackling centre has risen quickly to the international arena, having already played 24 games for the Wallabies.
The 25-year-old is currently rehabilitating an MCL injury to his knee he suffered against the Melbourne Rebels in Round 5 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this year and hopes to return for Queensland before the end of the 2023 campaign.
Paisaimi said: “I’m grateful to have re-signed with the Reds and Australian Rugby, Queensland is home for me and my young family.
“It’s a promising time with the opening of the new NRTC and I’m looking forward to using that facility.
“We have a lot to achieve on the field next season and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“It’s a big year for the Wallabies with the World Cup in France. Hopefully I get the opportunity to be a part of it, but for now I am focussed on rehab and getting myself back on the field for the Reds."
Queensland Rugby General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said: “It's great to have another of our Wallabies recommit beyond the Rugby World Cup.
“Hunter has had a rapid rise since moving up from Melbourne in 2019.
“He’ll be another player to bring up 50 games for Queensland in 2024, and we hope to see him build on his 24 Test matches this year and next.”
Wallabies Head Coach Eddie Jones said: “Hunter is a young player that is still learning and growing.
“He can play 12 or 13, and has the potential to be a really valuable centre in the years ahead – I hope he can get back from his injury and work on continuing that trajectory.”
Born in Samoa, Paisami earned his shot with the Reds in 2020 after standout campaigns with Wests in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup and Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship.
He went on to play 15 of Queensland’s 17 matches that year, before debuting for Australia against the All Blacks the same season to cap a stunning first year in the professional game.
Paisami has since entrenched himself in the Queensland backline, scoring six tries in 40 games in the maroon jersey.
He joins the likes of Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru and Matt Faessler in re-committing to the Reds over the past two months.
The Reds take on the Blues in their final home game of 2023 at Suncorp Stadium this Friday night. Buy tickets via https://bit.ly/3MjmSJ7.
