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Queensland Reds re-sign young quartet of players ahead of 2021 Super Rugby AU

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Queensland Rugby Union has today confirmed front-rower Josh Nasser and second-row duo Tuaina Taii Tualima and Ryan Smith have all re-signed with the Queensland Reds on two-year deals, while scrumhalf Moses Sorovi has signed a one-year contract extension.

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Queensland’s forward pack will be bolstered by the trio’s recommitment that will see them remain at Ballymore through 2022.

Playing seven games this year, Sorovi will look to add to his 31 Queensland caps after re-signing with the Reds through 2021.

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Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s great to have Moses, Josh, Tuaina and Ryan all stay in Queensland.

“It’s really good to see some consistency with our players wanting to remain here and play footy with their mates.

“Josh and Tuaina both made their Queensland debuts this year. Josh has come through as a developing tighthead prop but has moved into the hooker position and has made good progress.

“Tuaina is a versatile backrower/lock and has shown strong contributions during Super Rugby AU. We’re looking for him to take it to the next level in our program.

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“Ryan is a good team man. With his height, size and raw ability he has the potential to make an impact in Super Rugby.

“We’re really pleased where Moses is at and we’re pleased he’s staying on for another year.”

There’s set to be further squad announcements ahead of the 2021 season, including more Queensland Pathway products and Reds Academy signings.

Confirmed Queensland Reds players for 2021 (as of yet)

Props: Feao Fotuaika, Harry Hoopert, Josh Nasser, Taniela Tupou

Hookers: Alex Mafi, Brandon Paenga-Amosa

Locks: Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima

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Loose Forwards: Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright

Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, Moses Sorovi

First-Fives: James O’Connor, Hamish Stewart

Midfielders: Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia

Outside Backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Bryce Hegarty, Suliasi Vunivalu

– Queensland Rugby Union

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Three-way race to be number one in World Rugby men's rankings

IF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.


As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.


Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.


Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.


Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.


Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:


Seeding Band 1

IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG

Seeding Band 2

SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: FIJI

1/8 final opponent GEORGIA

Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA

1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND

Prognosis: You know the prognosis


I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?


Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.

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