The Queensland Reds have re-signed exciting young flyhalf Finn Mackay on a two-year deal through 2028.
The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to today announce that the pathway product is locked in to continue his development at Ballymore.
Mackay, who turned 19 earlier this month, is building a substantial resume.
He made an eye-catching Reds debut last October against Japan's Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights at Ballymore Stadium before joining a select group to make their Super Rugby debut at 18 in this year’s opening round.
Mackay is heading to Georgia later this month as a playmaker for the Australia Under-20s at the Junior World Championships.
Mackay admitted he knocked back an offer from another Super Rugby club because of the training environment, high-performance stability and future he sees at the Reds.
“I got a lot out of training with the Reds’ top squad this season. That’s being able to learn from the inside knowledge and tips from the club’s international flyhalves and backs,” Mackay said.
“I’ve taken advice and lessons into my game to make me better.
“Brisbane is my home town. When you are comfortable and having fun, you are playing your best footy.
“I was given an opportunity against the Wild Knights and in Super Rugby Pacific quicker than I ever expected. I’ve felt the trust from Les Kiss and the other coaches at the Reds from the start.
“Les always talks about ‘Closing The Gap’ in terms of the Reds Academy boys and squad members lifting their levels closer to the Reds team.
“I see guys putting their hands up because of that and the building of competition between the younger guys as well as the senior players.
“The club is in a good place. I see guys of my age group and the experiences we’ve had together already at U16s, U18s and Next Gen and feel we are going to have an excellent group come through to play in the big boys’ league.”
Mackay also paid credit to Buildcorp Reds Academy Head Coach Dale Roberson and Academy Athletic Performance chief Will Brown.
“Dale has helped me heaps and I’ve added 3kg of good muscle in the gym because of Will,” Mackay said.
“Getting a taste of Super Rugby this year was huge for confidence. It’s enabled me to express myself more in U20s with my play and have more voice in leading teams around.”
The Reds have locked in Wallabies duo Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh, as well as Mackay, to handle playmaking duties at No.10 next season with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips departing the club after three strong seasons.
Mackay’s rise through the ranks of Queensland rugby has been impressive. His AIC premiership-winning talents at St Laurence’s College have since been harnessed in Queensland Under-16, Under-18 and Next Gen teams.
He was playing fullback and flyhalf last year for his club side Souths at just 17.
Mackay excelled in the Reds' 59-19 victory over Japan's Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in a non-cap game in Toowoomba last October. Mackay threw the final pass for three tries and pinpoint kicks produced another two in the Reds' runaway nine-try performance.
It was the display that vindicated his full-cap debut a week later against the Wild Knights at Ballymore as Red #1424.
He coolly stepped up to make his debut off the bench when the Reds faced the NSW Waratahs in Sydney when Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific opened in February.
Sam Cordingley, the Reds General Manager High-Performance, said: "Finn has been part of the Reds program since he was 15 and we’re incredibly proud of the progress he has made.
"He has stepped up to every opportunity presented to him, which is a real credit to his application and belief. Despite a lot of interest elsewhere, Finn has chosen to back himself against two Wallaby 10s at the Reds, which speaks to his intent.
"We look forward to seeing him continue to develop over the next few years."
Position: Flyhalf
Age: 19
Height: 1.89m
Weight: 85kg
Club: Souths
School: St Laurence’s College
Reds Matches: 2
Reds Debut: 2025 v Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, Brisbane
