Written by Reds Media Unit on Nov 12, 2024 09:45 AM, courtesy of reds.rugby Source article.
New 2025 signings: Will McCulloch (left) and Filipo Daugunu at Ballymore Stadium
The Queensland Reds have confirmed their Super Rugby Pacific squad for 2025 with spots for rising Australian Under-20s talents Trevor King and Will McCulloch.
In all, 19 players with Test experience have been named, including 18 Wallabies and former All Blacks prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.
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Twelve players have represented the Reds over 50 times, including 2024 co-captain Tate McDermott who will begin the 2025 season with 91 Queensland caps to his name.
Two of the 50-Cap Club are lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and outside back Filipo Daugunu, both Wallabies returning to the club as off-season signings. Outside back Lachie Anderson, lock Josh Canham, prop Matt Gibbon and utility back Mason Gordon are other signings for Super Rugby Pacific 2025 who have already been integrated with matches through the Reds International Program.
Prop King, 19, fullback-winger McCulloch, 20, and Jude Gibbs, a 23-year-old utility back recruited from Sydney’s Northern Suburbs club, are the three faces in the squad yet to make debuts for the Reds.
The value of the Reds International Program is reflected in teenage centre Dre Pakeho. While yet to play his first match in Super Rugby Pacific, Pakeho has built his experience and composure for when he does by playing against Wales, Tonga and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights over the past four months.
“We continue to evolve our squad and increase our depth and options for what will be another challenging Super Rugby Pacific season,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“This is an ambitious group that knows working hard is the only way to bring out the best of their abilities in a fantastic competition.
“We need to be ready for everything Super Rugby throws at you and that starts on the training field, in the gym and in our team meetings.”
Kiss said he was pleased to reward King and McCulloch with opportunities as they step up from the Buildcorp Reds Academy.
“The Reds have a close alignment with our Academy. We had young guys like Dre Pakeho make a really positive step from the Academy to playing for the Reds in 2024,” Kiss said.
“The International Program has been a great opportunity for young players to broaden their range of experiences.
“The opportunity to train at a higher level and with the Reds is the best possible chance for Trevor and Will to take their games further.”
Kiss said the Reds had been tracking Gibbs’ form in the Shute Shield competition.
“Jude has played finals with Norths for the past two seasons in Sydney. He is a versatile player capable of playing flyhalf, inside centre and fullback. He has a great kicking game and is an impeccable goalkicker,” Kiss said.
McCulloch, a Norths product in Brisbane, scored two tries for the Australian U20s against the New Zealand U20s in May as a highlight of his year.
“This is an unreal opportunity and there’s a lot of motivation in seeing how recent Academy players like Dre Pakeho and John Bryant have taken the next step,” McCulloch said.
“I did a little pre-season with the Reds before their recent tour to Japan to know the hard work and detail ahead which I’m looking forward to.
“The Reds play a quick style, as well as an exciting one, so you want to be involved.”
King has already played two years at tighthead prop in the Australian U20s at just 19 and recently featured for the Queensland U19s.
For Gibbs, joining a Super Rugby club has been a long-held ambition. He already has the right car for it, a red sedan he will pack and drive to Brisbane later this week.
“It’s what I’ve been working for over a long time,” Gibbs said.
“I’m really grateful for all I’ve learnt at Northern Suburbs and the experience of two grand finals.
“Those losses put in perspective just how important the big moments are in big games and how vital a strong start is in being able to control emotion and the external pressure.
“It’s going to be an awesome experience to continue to develop at the Reds.”
The Reds open their 2025 campaign in Super Rugby Pacific against Moana Pasifika on Friday, February 21. The clash is in the second round after an opening round bye following the Reds return from pre-season matches against Bristol (January 31) and Ulster (February 7) in Europe.
Queensland Reds 2025 Squad
Lachie Anderson** – TBC
Richie Asiata – Sunnybank
George Blake – Bond University
Angus Blyth – Bond University
Joe Brial – University of Queensland
John Bryant – Souths
Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
Josh Canham** – Bond University
Max Craig – Easts
Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank
Massimo de Lutiis – Wests
Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank
Matt Faessler – Brothers
Josh Flook – Brothers
Jude Gibbs* – TBC
Matt Gibbon** – University Of Queensland
Mason Gordon** – Wests
Frankie Goldsbrough** – Easts
Isaac Henry – Wests
Alex Hodgman – Sunnybank
Trevor King* – Souths
Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland
Will McCulloch*- Norths
Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips – Wests
Fraser McReight – Brothers
Josh Nasser – University of Queensland
Zane Nonggorr – Bond University
Hunter Paisami – Wests
Dre Pakeho** – Brothers
Tim Ryan – Brothers
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
Ryan Smith – Brothers
Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths
Seru Uru – Wests
Connor Vest – Souths
Louis Werchon – Wests
Harry Wilson – Brothers
Liam Wright – Easts
Head coach: Les Kiss
Assistant coaches: Brad Davis, Jonathan Fisher, Zane Hilton, Dale Roberson
*denotes uncapped for Queensland
**denotes uncapped for Queensland at Super Rugby level
