Waratahs and Reds Confirm 2021 Squads

The Waratahs and Reds have announced their playing squads for the 2021 Super Rugby AU tournament.

The Queensland Reds have continued to invest in developing elite Rugby talent at Ballymore with a total of 31 players retained from last year’s program ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby season.
 
Following a Grand Final appearance last year, the current Queensland group has built a strong culture of care and connection which will again be a strong focus as the club strives for sustained success in 2021 and beyond.
 
89% of the current 37-man squad has come through the Queensland pathway having been a part of Reds Academy programs, represented Queensland at either U18s or U20s level, played Queensland Premier Club Rugby or played for either Queensland Country or Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) or in the U19s (URC) competition.
 
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s great to keep a consistent group – both players and staff, heading into the 2021 season. Close to 90% of our guys have come through the system here in Queensland which we’re really proud of."
 
“The majority of this group have been together for nearly five years now and they’re all mates. They care about the cause here at Queensland and we’re all looking forward to the year ahead,” said Thorn.
 
The Reds will be bolstered by the addition of five Developing Squad players with Queensland Club Rugby products Ben Grant, Brothers duo Hudson Creighton and Matt Faessler, plus University of Queensland backrower Sam Wallis and Wests playmaker Isaac Henry all handed part-time contracts. Josh Flook, Zane Nonggorr, Mac Grealy, Kalani Thomas and Ilaisa Droasese were all elevated from the Reds Academy into the senior Queensland squad.

 A lot is expected from Jordan Petaia this season

Having re-signed through 2021, Thorn will once again lead a world-class coaching roster at Queensland alongside assistants Jim McKay (Attack) and Michael Todd (Defence), plus Cameron Lillicrap (Scrum Coach) and Damian Marsh (Athletic Performance Manager).
 
As part of the QRU’s strategy to identify and develop emerging Rugby talent in Queensland, the Reds’ coaching staff will again work closely with the Reds Academy spearheaded by Head of Academy Paul Carozza.
 
Frontrow
Matt Faessler – Brothers  
Feao Fotuaika – GPS  
Harry Hoopert – Brothers  
Alex Mafi – Bond University  
Josh Nasser – University of Queensland
Zane Nonggorr – Bond University  
Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank  
Taniela Tupou – Brothers  
Dane Zander – Norths
 
Locks
Angus Blyth – Bond University  
Ben Grant   
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
Ryan Smith – Brothers
Tuania Taii Tualima – GPS
 
Backrow
Fraser McReight – Brothers  
Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
Seru Uru – Easts
Sam Wallis – University of Queensland  
Harry Wilson – Brothers  
Liam Wright – Easts
 
Halves
Lawson Creighton – Brothers
Bryce Hegarty – GPS
Tate McDermott – University of Queensland  
James O’Connor – Brothers  
Moses Sorovi – Wests  
Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland
 
Centres
Hudson Creighton – Brothers
Josh Flook – Brothers  
Isaac Henry – Wests
Hunter Paisami – Wests
Jordan Petaia – Wests
Hamish Stewart – Brothers
 
Outside Backs
Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
Filipo Daugunu – Wests  
Ilasia Droasese – Wests  
Mac Grealy – University of Queensland  
Suliasi Vunivalu 
 

Waratah backrower Lachlan Swinton had a breakthrough season last year

The NSW Waratahs have unveiled their full roster ahead of the start of the Super Rugby AU competition, with a changing of the guard seeing some fresh talent come into the squad.

 With plenty of New South Wales home grown talent coming into the mix, Head Coach Rob Penney said there is excitement building among the group.
 
“This is an exciting era for the NSW Waratahs and the wider group are genuinely excited for the season ahead, both the Super Rugby AU as well as the Trans-Tasman competition.
 
“We have a strong crop of men who are eager to represent the NSW Waratahs with pride. Although there have been a number of changes to the squad, the new guys have been embraced with nothing but enthusiasm by the existing group and are looking forward to making their mark on the competition and NSW Rugby.
 
“We are back preparing in the ‘bubble’ to reduce the impacts that COVID-19 still presents.  But the boys are preparing well and we are looking forward to the pre-season matches in regional NSW against the Reds and Brumbies,” he said. 

Rob Penney has also named the man set to lead a new era for the NSW Waratahs, with halfback Jake Gordon today named Captain.
 
A product of Canterbury Juniors and Sydney Uni, Gordon is set to captain his State for the first time, with 55 caps for the Waratahs since he made his debut in 2017.
 
The 27 year old has come through the New South Wales pathways, his leadership qualities both on and off the field making him the top choice for Captain.
 
“It’s a great privilege to not just represent New South Wales, but also be Captain. You look at the past captains of this team, especially the recent ones, Rob Simmons who played 100 tests for his country and Michael Hooper also the Captain of the Wallabies,” said Gordon.

Hookers

Props

Locks

 
Backrow

 
Halfback

Five Eight

 
Midfield backs

 
Outside backs