Queensland Reds 2026

[Daveyyyyy]

Really competitive game. I think the forwards did their jobs in terms of lineouts and scrum mostly but the pushed passing was obviously them taking the attack mission way too seriously. In the backs I loved Dre and Henry. When henry got the ball, shit happened every time. I think it’s great that the younger guys got the tough exposure because those guys were being HARD in defence when they got the chance. Loved the not so little number 9, he almost seems like a 10 to be honest. Great instincts but some unnecessary box kicks.

 

[PhilClinton]

Commented to my mates that the surface was looking like shit.

Granted it's been hot as balls but Ballymore is at least irrigated. I've only a week home from a 4 week holiday overseas and my lawn is back to greener than that pitch was....

Considering it’s SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) offseason is it possible they’re letting it go on purpose to prep for some replacement turf or rejuvenation program?

I’m definitely not a lawn guy, but I know the Broncos training surface is currently looking terrible and it’s apparently their standard offseason program to then rejuvenate the surface for early 2026. They’ve officially closed the main training field for 2025 to ensure it’s done properly.

 

[Quicktapsonly]

Ballymore is about to host the State 7s in two weeks time.

 

[liquor box]

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!

It would be easier to fix kicking instead of susceptibility to concussions.

Carter is the safer option for me.

 

[Wilson]

Liam Wright to leave the Reds:

Queensland Rugby Union farewell Queensland Reds stalwart Liam Wright

reds.rugby

Sounds like they just couldn't make it work for next year, but Wright isn't retiring just yet.

 

[Wilson]

I expect this sees Harry Wilson step into Wright's half of the co-captaincy, which should be good for his on going development there.

From a squad perspective it does open a bit more room for guys like Latu and Muller, but possibly Kohan Herbert or Zac Hough is in contention as well. Still need to sort out that back up lock first though, and possibly that's part of why they weren't able to come to a deal here, if some of that money is being held for a solid 3rd lock.

 

[Major Tom]

Liam Wright to leave the Reds:

Queensland Rugby Union farewell Queensland Reds stalwart Liam Wright

reds.rugby

Sounds like they just couldn't make it work for next year, but Wright isn't retiring just yet.

Reading that article, he certainly communicates very well. Would be a great addition to the commentary team as an analyst if he wanted to. He was pretty good for the U19 etc.

 

[Sword of Justice]

Quite sad to see him go but at the same time exciting to see what’s next. I really hope we see him playing again because he always played in the right spirit and I think he’s an archetypal modern 7.

If he’d been fit I think he would have continued to captain Australia for dozens of tests, that’s how good he was.

I was speaking with some WR (World Rugby) refs/TMOs based in Brisbane who said he was the best player they’d ever seen when they were coming up coaching school and club rugby.

Quite remarkable that he played super rugby in South Africa and captained us 55 times. I still think of him as young and getting his body right. That’s a great career by any standard.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

It now makes more sense that Brial and Bryant we re-signed.

 

[Crashy]

he could end up at the Brumbies - replacing Hoopers.

 

[Adam84]

Would love to have seen him stick around, but can see both sides of the story. It’s an opportunity for Bryant and Brial to step up, and hopefully Wright can pick up a contract elsewhere in Australia and get an injury free year behind him.

Given he has finished his uni studies wouldn’t see surprised to see him chase an overseas contract though.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Is his shoulder actually on the mend, or in other words, could he pass a fitness test to get a contract?

 

[Major Tom]

Is his shoulder actually on the mend, or in other words, could he pass a fitness test to get a contract?

Yeah I would be surprised if his shoulder is up to it. The risk of him doing it again would be pretty high and the reds just couldn’t justify it. Massive loss though. His leadership and work ethic will be missed. His size/mobility gave us good balance around the park.
Fortunately we’ve got some good options with Uru, Brial and Bryant well placed to take over. Robinson and Latu (although I think he’s more a no. 8) look promising too.

 

[Wilson]

Is his shoulder actually on the mend, or in other words, could he pass a fitness test to get a contract?

It's unclear but the indication from the article seems to be that he's keen for another season, and that the Reds probably offered him something but not enough. I imagine he might struggle to get a deal in the Top 14 or Prem right now, but MLR or something in Japan (particularly d2) shouldn't be too hard and might be a bit easier on his body. He has always been keen to play in Durban too, so he might be aiming for a contract with the Sharks.

He might also be lining up an R360 gig too - gets an extra year off to get his body right (without risking it playing super) and can take a bigger pay day then he could get otherwise now, while he's still got the chance. That's an R360 signing I'd actually be relatively happy to see.