Queensland Reds 2026

[Tomikin]

In all seriousness though - RA have clearly brought Gordon back urgently because they see serious deficiencies at flyhalf due to skill shortage and ongoing injury concerns.

Regardless of what official channels say, Kiss would have held a lot of influence over this decision through both his role as Reds and Wallabies coach.

I am expecting Carter to be given quite a long bow to have a crack as both the Wallaby and then Reds flyhalf. Fullback isn't an area of concern going forward for the Wallabies, there are plenty of competent options there who will be fit and firing in 2026/27 such as Wright, Jorgo and even Kellaway if needed.

I also expect Kiss knows more than is being let on about how severe Lynagh's concussion issues are. Him staying home for this entire Spring Tour, whilst his soon to be competitor Carter Gordon is flown in as an emergency just shows how bad it could be.

I read the other day it's his Toms Hamstrings that are dodgy at the moment, not his head. Hopefully working on them solves that over the summer. And also helps the head

 

[SouthernX]

Good to have Carter back in rugby.

if Carter has fixed his goal kicking issues - I think he plays 10. If the reds/wallabies don’t think he’s fixed that. I think 15 more likely!

 

[Major Tom]

In all seriousness though - RA have clearly brought Gordon back urgently because they see serious deficiencies at flyhalf due to skill shortage and ongoing injury concerns.

Regardless of what official channels say, Kiss would have held a lot of influence over this decision through both his role as Reds and Wallabies coach.

I am expecting Carter to be given quite a long bow to have a crack as both the Wallaby and then Reds flyhalf. Fullback isn't an area of concern going forward for the Wallabies, there are plenty of competent options there who will be fit and firing in 2026/27 such as Wright, Jorgo and even Kellaway if needed.

I also expect Kiss knows more than is being let on about how severe Lynagh's concussion issues are. Him staying home for this entire Spring Tour, whilst his soon to be competitor Carter Gordon is flown in as an emergency just shows how bad it could be.

I think a few things fell into place. RA never wanted lose Gordon in the first place, just weren’t able to keep him because he only wanted to play in qld. I think mason coming in and being looked after by the reds probably helped pull him back. And Schmidt basically said he’d pick him if he ever came back. Having the year off just gave them time to get their ducks in order. He is a big bodied flyhalf option who immediately gives us something different. I’m immensely excited because he’ll be exposed to kiss and Schmidt who both should help him develop.
I don’t think kiss was being evasive, his last head knock was never really classified as a concussion if I remember correctly. He only came off for tightness so I reckon it’s playing up. Honestly, I think it might be a bit of a blessing in disguise because it forces him to take a bit of a break get his body right. He’s 22, he’s had a taste for test footy and should know what he needs to do to represent again.

 

[Trev]

We have got an abundance of backline talent with 3 players (McDermott, Gordon, Dungunu) that are genuine test standard, several others (Thomas, Lynagh, Flook, Paisami, Campbell, Anderson, and Henry) are proven Super Rugby level, and a few more are still developing. My main interest is understanding the preferences for the pack. This is the area we needed more power against the NZ teams this season.

 

[Trev]

Good to have Carter back in rugby.

if Carter has fixed his goal kicking issues - I think he plays 10. If the reds/wallabies don’t think he’s fixed that. I think 15 more likely!

Dungunu can kick as can Henry.

 

[Adam84]

We have got an abundance of backline talent with 3 players (McDermott, Gordon, Dungunu) that are genuine test standard, several others (Thomas, Lynagh, Flook, Paisami, Campbell, Anderson, and Henry) are proven Super Rugby level, and a few more are still developing. My main interest is understanding the preferences for the pack. This is the area we needed more power against the NZ teams this season.

There might be talent, but they’re missing size…

the Reds backline this year was seriously lacking in size and penetration, ball movement and spreading it wide was a game plan which quickly unravels against more physical and/or faster defence. Based on current recruitment and retention, that’s not changing for next year either.

 

[upthereds#!]

I know their season runs so long it ends the same as ours, but is there a chance we see Benetton players over here? They may be fringe but probably be better then our teenagers.

 

[Trev]

There might be talent, but they’re missing size…

the Reds backline this year was seriously lacking in size and penetration, ball movement and spreading it wide was a game plan which quickly unravels against more physical and/or faster defence. Based on current recruitment and retention, that’s not changing for next year either.

Ben Volavola could be handy. Carter brings size and strength. Unfortunately Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) not available until 2027. Reesjan Pasitoa and Bailey Kenzule? Is Dre a chance of being a version of Kerevi? Filipo holds his own.

 

[Wilson]

I know their season runs so long it ends the same as ours, but is there a chance we see Benetton players over here? They may be fringe but probably be better then our teenagers.

Probably only if they have enough depth in a position that a talented youngster isn't getting game time, then they might look at sending them down here for the experience. I'm not too sure that would ever be someone pushing for the 23 for us though. Maybe in the case of an injury crisis.