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Two Australia U20 reps given a shot with Reds as strong squad named
By Finn Morton
Australia U20 representatives Will McCulloch and Trevor King are among the new players in the Queensland Reds’ squad for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. Two Wallabies have also signed on with the Reds for the upcoming campaign, which starts in February.
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Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Filipo Daugunu will both return to the club following stints with the Melbourne Rebels. Salakaia-Loto has played regular minutes for Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies in 2024, while Daugunu was among the team’s standouts during the July Series.
Outside back Lachie Anderson, lock Josh Canham, prop Matt Gibbon and backline utility Mason Gordon are other signings for the ne season who have already played for the Reds with matches through the club’s International Program.
The Reds recently played two matches in Japan, which included a tense battle with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights for the Saitama-Queensland Shield. With the Queenslanders winning that contest, they’ll hang onto that prized shield for at least one more year.
“We continue to evolve our squad and increase our depth and options for what will be another challenging Super Rugby Pacific season,” head coach Les Kiss said in a statement.
“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 your and that starts on the training field, in the gym, and in our team meetings.
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“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.
“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 with the Reds is the best possible chance for Trevor and Will to take their games further.”
McCulloch started two matches on the wing for Australia at the U20 Rugby Championship on the Sunshine Coast earlier this year, which included a two-try performance in the thrilling loss to New Zealand U20 in the title decider.
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King, 19, didn’t play in that competition but was called into the representative squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa. The prop started a match against Italy, and also came off the pine against Ireland, Wales and Argentina.
For both players, now is the time for them to push on at training as they look to take that next step at Super Rugby Pacific level. McCulloch is a product of Norths in Brisbane, and it’s clear how excited the outside back is to be included in the Reds’ top squad.
“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 explained.
“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.”
The Reds have also welcomed Jude Gibbs into the squad, who is a 23-year-old utility back from Sydney’s Northern Suburbs club. Gibbs joins King and McCulloch as the trio of players who are yet to make their debuts for the Reds.
“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 contribute to develop at the Reds.”
There is still a familiar feel to this strong squad, with the likes of Angus Blyth, Jock Campbell, Fraser McReight, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Isaac Henry, and Tim Ryan returning.
Queensland Reds squad for 2025
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
