Season lift-off in the trials for the Queensland Reds is always a sweet spot for high hopes and ambition yet it’s also an invigorating glimpse at the Next Gen talent at every Super Rugby Pacific club.
So often, players seemingly on the fringes in February are on the bench or starting in May. It’s the dynamic and rapid transition of the game.
Saturday afternoon’s 3pm trial against the Western Force at Ballymore Stadium is definitely that showcase with up to 35 players to be given minutes across the three, 30-minute periods.
The pathways within Queensland rugby thrust forward fresh talent every season. The crop of youngsters striving for chances this season is as promising as ever.
Built like a whip rather than a bulldozer, the pacy finisher is coming off a fine 2023. He played for the Junior Wallabies, won a premiership with Brothers and made his Queensland debut against the Saitama-Panasonic Wild Knights...a flying start for the winger.
A backrower with real punch. The product of St Laurence’s College got a taste for the higher levels with his debut against the Saitama-Panasonic Wild Knights last November when he made several influential runs. Has been groomed in the pathways since an outstanding impression with the Queensland Under-16s.
The blond-haired centre was playing for Churchie just last year. Size and line-breaking ability and he’ll get the chance to wear a Reds jersey against the Force on Saturday. “Frankie is on a steep learning curve coming straight out of school but he’s taken to it with relish. He’s alert and motivated and feeling more at ease in the squad,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
Started at No.10 against the Saitama-Panasonic Wild Knights last November in his Queensland debut. Will play off the bench behind Lawson Creighton against the Force.
“Harry is a footballer. He’s tough and a good learner. I remember the day I was told ‘Keep an eye on this kid in the 15As’ He was at Brisbane Boys’ College at the time,” said Paul Carozza, Head of Reds Talent Management.
A lock-No.8 with size and grunt on the field. A country product who boarded at Churchie during his impressive days as a schoolboy.
The smooth-moving winger-fullback has been with the squad for several seasons but earning a start in Saturday’s trial against the Force is a chance to express himself to the full.
Look elsewhere and winger Jarrod Homan, halfback Willem Johnstone, lock-backrower Taine Roiri, halfback Louis Werchon and prop Baguio Johnson-Tiumalu are striving hard to take the next step in their careers.
Coach Les Kiss is eager to see what the youth revolution within the squad can offer.
“I’m excited for these players. They’ll earn some good minutes, anywhere from 20 to 40. Floyd has a chance to start. Tim Ryan is another who keeps working hard and impresses," Kiss said.
“Young John Bryant was very impressive in the Challenger series and the games against the Wild Knights to end last year. I expect to see more from him as well. Harry too. It’s nice to have these young guys here.
“They are going to get a good chance and a fair shot to show their wares.”
