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.

 

[Major Tom]

 

[The Whisperer]

With so much up and coming talent, I’d love to see a genuine Reds Academy/Development team get some games together in 2026, whether it’s against premier sides or what.
The team could look something like:

1. Nick Bloomfield
2. Max Craig
3. Trevor King
4. Avery Thompson
5. Will Ross
6. Charlie Brosnan
7. Tom Robinson
8. Vice Latu
9. James Martens
10. Finn Mackay
11. Nick Conway
12. Treyvon Pritchard
13. Frankie Goldsbrough
14. Xavier Rubens
15. Will McCulloch
Reserves
16. John Grenfell
17. Kingsley Uys
18. Levi Slater
19. Bennett Armistead
20. Hamish Muller
21. Will Cartwright
22. Will Nason
23. Tai Taka

 

[Ignoto]

ven without the concussion concerns, this is the second long layoff for hamstring issues in 12 months isn't it? That's not ideal either

It's not ideal, but at the same time it's end of season and gives Tom and other young players to get given an opportunity to reset and get their bodies right. Sounds like they have been managing it but this gives a good opportunity to get ahead of it.

There's been a few NRL players who've pulled out of Kangaroo commitments as they've got niggles as well.

 

[Major Tom]

With so much up and coming talent, I’d love to see a genuine Reds Academy/Development team get some games together in 2026, whether it’s against premier sides or what.
The team could look something like:

1. Nick Bloomfield
2. Max Craig
3. Trevor King
4. Avery Thompson
5. Will Ross
6. Charlie Brosnan
7. Tom Robinson
8. Vice Latu
9. James Martens
10. Finn Mackay
11. Nick Conway
12. Treyvon Pritchard
13. Frankie Goldsbrough
14. Xavier Rubens
15. Will McCulloch
Reserves
16. John Grenfell
17. Kingsley Uys
18. Levi Slater
19. Bennett Armistead
20. Hamish Muller
21. Will Cartwright
22. Will Nason
23. Tai Taka

It would have to be a HC team or SS. But they'd all be playing in that comp anyways. I reckon it's better just having them train/develop more with the main team.
BTW Bloomfield plays THP and picked up a knee injury against Tonga.

 

[Wilson]

It would have to be a HC team or SS. But they'd all be playing in that comp anyways. I reckon it's better just having them train/develop more with the main team.
BTW Bloomfield plays THP and picked up a knee injury against Tonga.

Yeah, I mostly prefer those guys play for their club sides in season, and a lot of them will be off with the under 20s throughout the year.

That said, there is a bit of a window early in the season before club rugby starts up for academy matches amongst the super sides. It's been a bit ad hoc recently, but hopefully it gets formalized into more of a consistent competition.

 

[PhilClinton]

Even without the concussion concerns, this is the second long layoff for hamstring issues in 12 months isn't it? That's not ideal either

Yeh - look I am a Tom Lynagh fan. I think he's a good player and worthy of Wallabies selection.

But there is no denying for a bloke his age, he's already got a lot of injury grief across a few different areas which make me doubt his longevity.

The concussion stuff is partially bad luck, but at 22yr old to have recurring dodgy hamstrings it's pretty alarming.

 

[Major Tom]

Yeh - look I am a Tom Lynagh fan. I think he's a good player and worthy of Wallabies selection.

But there is no denying for a bloke his age, he's already got a lot of injury grief across a few different areas which make me doubt his longevity.

The concussion stuff is partially bad luck, but at 22yr old to have recurring dodgy hamstrings it's pretty alarming.

It's frustrating but not super alarming. It happens to young players in the other football codes. The No.1 pick in the AFL, Sam Lalor, has had plenty of hamstring issues.
Lynagh just needs a decent pre-season. Get into the gym, get the hamstring right and pack a few kgs on.

 

[dillyboy]

The concussion stuff is partially bad luck, but at 22yr old to have recurring dodgy hamstrings it's pretty alarming.

Reminds me of early CFS - had repeated hammy issues early on so we never saw a consistent best of him.

 

[PhilClinton]

Reminds me of early CFS - had repeated hammy issues early on so we never saw a consistent best of him.

And interestingly both players are so different.

CFS was very very fast in his early years, ended up putting some bulk on during his recovery years as he lost some pace but was still effective.

Lynagh doesn't play like CFS, but I do worry the hamstring issues will limit his kicking game as he ages.

 

[Major Tom]

And interestingly both players are so different.

CFS was very very fast in his early years, ended up putting some bulk on during his recovery years as he lost some pace but was still effective.

Lynagh doesn't play like CFS, but I do worry the hamstring issues will limit his kicking game as he ages.

A lot of it seems to be tightness. I don't know how many tears he's had but it could be he's anxious whenever he gets that awareness.

 

[Spamnoodle]

Reminds me of early CFS - had repeated hammy issues early on so we never saw a consistent best of him.

And Petia