Reds centre wants Wallabies jersey back
Powerful centre Hunter Paisami is targeting a Wallabies return after signing a new two-year deal with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.
The most recent of Paisami’s 24 Tests was in November 2022 against Ireland at Aviva Stadium, and he’s desperate to force his way back into Wallabies selection talks ahead of next year’s series against the touring British and Irish Lions.
“I’m really stoked to be signing for another two years in Australia and with the Reds,” said Paisami, who has made 50 appearances for the Reds.
“I’m really enjoying my time at the Reds with (head coach) Les Kiss and his crew. He’s building something special and I want to be a part of it.
“A major goal is to pull on that gold jersey again. That starts here by playing my best footy for the Reds and hopefully the opportunity to play at the next level comes from that.
“Having the British and Irish Lions touring Australia next year comes around once in a player’s career and hopefully I can earn a part in that.”
Kiss said Paisami – whose new deal runs until the end of 2026 – had been “exceptional” in the way he had “driven standards” at the Reds this season.
“He’s a player who leads by his actions,” Kiss said.
“He’s showing more variety in his game. It’s always been there. He’s found how to apply it to the different style we are playing.
“The form he is in, and with his age profile, there are good things ahead for Hunter with the Reds and as the strong option he offers the Wallabies.”
Rugby Australia high performance director Peter Horne said: “Hunter’s recommitment to Queensland and Australian rugby is a positive for all supporters of the game in this country.
“He’s shown some great form for the Reds so far this year and we look forward to watching him throughout the rest of the season.”
Paisami and the fifth-placed Reds will chase back-to-back Super Rugby Pacific wins when they host the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Stalwart James O’Connor is set to make his first appearance of the season after being named on Queensland’s bench in his return from a hamstring injury.
“James has contributed in a massive way while he’s been on the sidelines as I’ve mentioned a number of times,” Kiss said.
“He’s been a constant resource for our No. 10s and to now have him sitting on the bench is fantastic.
“He’s not going to be super match-fit for an 80-minute performance at this stage but … at the moment he’s as good as he’s been for a long time.
“I’m pretty sure when he gets on, he’ll make a difference.”
The Reds bench will also include co-captain and Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott, who has missed Queensland’s past three matches through suspension.
In McDermott’s absence, Kalani Thomas has performed admirably in the No. 9 jersey, with Kiss rewarding his form by again naming him to start alongside Lawson Creighton in the halves.
“We were really pleased with how Kalani’s gone, and also his combination with Lawson in recent weeks has been good, in training has well, so we thought we’d keep that combination together, and then Tate will come on, and make a difference when he comes on,” the Reds coach said.
“It’ll be nice to have the experience of Tate and James to come off the bench.”
Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Rebels: Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, Nick Jooste, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway. Bench: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Glen Vaihu.
