Tim Ryan extends deal with Queensland Reds

Sun, Sep 29, 2024, 10:43 PM
RU
by Reds Media Unit
Tim Ryan has extended his stay at Ballymore wiht the Queensland Reds
Tim Ryan has extended his stay at Ballymore wiht the Queensland Reds

The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to announce that Tim Ryan, one of Australian rugby’s brightest young talents, has agreed to new terms to extend his development at the Queensland Reds.

The pacy winger will be at the Reds for 2025-26 under the two-season deal that will allow him to build on his breakout year in 2024.

Few players have made such an instant mark in a Reds jersey. Ryan, 20, scored a hat-trick of tries in his first Super Rugby Pacific match as a starter against the Blues after several cameos off the bench.

A further hat-trick against the Melbourne Rebels propelled the 2024 Reds Rookie of the Year to nine tries from nine appearances in Super Rugby Pacific.

Those two bumper outings at Suncorp Stadium made him an instant fan favourite. He is a significant reason why sales of new Reds Memberships are expected to open with a bang when they go on sale tomorrow.

“The flashbacks to that game against the Blues are really good memories. The whole occasion on Anzac weekend with the special jersey really stands out,” Ryan said.

The level-headed Ryan is eager to put in the work to keep making improvements to his game.

“I was pretty fresh when I first came into the Reds this season. I feel I gained a lot of confidence and improved my position-specific skills,” Ryan said.

“Things like my general vision in games, kicking, passing and a little more power are the type of things you want to keep working on.

“It’s very exciting to have my future at the Reds sorted and to know I’ve had a season under my belt heading towards a new year.

“Having experienced guys in the squad is really important for young guys to keep learning from.”

Reds head coach Les Kiss tested Ryan’s versatility by playing him at outside centre in the two international games against Wales and Tonga in July.

He came through with flying colours, especially with his defensive positioning.

“For me, it was great to test myself against different game styles and body types,” Ryan said.

“Obviously, we came a long way as a team this year but it’s always in our minds that we could have gone further. It’s something we want to build on in 2025.

“The Reds have brought in guys like Lachie Anderson and Filipo Daugunu, who can play wing. That’s perfect for me. It will make me work harder in pre-season because I know I’ll be fighting for a position.”

Kiss said Ryan’s hard work away from the fanfare marked him as a player with a big future.

“We saw an explosion of Tim Ryan talent didn’t we with the ‘Junkyard Dog’? It’s really positive to see a winger like him as part of our program,” Kiss said.

“The thing we love is his commitment to his craft. Every part of his preparation is strong and he has a great future because of that.”

Tim Ryan

Position: Wing

Height: 186cm

Weight: 85kg

Born: 29/10/2003

Place of birth: Brisbane

Senior Club: Brothers

School: St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe

Queensland debut: 2023 v Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights

Queensland caps: 12

Queensland points: 50 (10 tries)  

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