Fraser McReight's contract renewal undoubtedly injects a shot in the arm for the Queensland Reds, as the team actively prepares for the fierce Super Rugby Pacific derby against the NSW Waratahs, a match considered comparable to the State of Origin. McReight rejected lucrative offers from overseas, choosing to remain at Ballymore until after the 2027 home World Cup.
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03-16, 2025Widely regarded as one of the world's top number sevens, the 26-year-old Wallabies star confirmed his long-term contract extension on Friday. This is a boost for Australian rugby and adds confidence to the Reds' upcoming Saturday showdown with the undefeated Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.
McReight, a two-time winner of the Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year award, has been outstanding for both club and country in 2024. He admitted to seriously considering a huge offer from overseas. However, with the 2027 World Cup being held in Australia, he ultimately chose to continue playing in the domestic league, like his friend and Wallabies captain Harry Wilson.
Reds hooker Matt Faessler and Brumbies lock Nick Frost both confirmed their contract extensions on Thursday. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is steadily building a team that can remain competitive after he departs following this year's Rugby Championship.
McReight said: "I'm very happy to have my contract sorted for the next three years and I can focus on enjoying my time with the Reds, the Wallabies and my teammates. While there were other offers, my heart was always with the Reds and the Wallabies." He added: "Queensland is my home, and it means a lot to be able to represent my family and friends, and playing for your country is the highest honour, you can proudly represent your home. Australian rugby has some big events coming up, and as a nation we are rebuilding, and I want to be a part of that."
The Reds (2-1) aim to finish in the top four this season, and they view the match against the Waratahs (3-0) as a must-win to achieve that goal. McReight stated that the Reds are mentally prepared for this match against their second-placed rivals as if it were a State of Origin clash.
"You probably start to feel a bit different as game day gets closer and kick-off approaches," he said. "The crowds will be bigger because they want to see that State of Origin style, and as a player you can definitely feel that. The Waratahs game is a great game, it carries the tradition and history between the two states. We've had a lot of fierce battles over the years, and the Waratahs are a great team, they are undefeated and have shown some amazing things."
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar knows his team will have to do everything possible to contain the Reds' back row of McReight, Wilson, and Seru Uru, so he has opted for the imposing figure of Leafi Talataina at number eight instead of the in-form Langi Gleeson. McKellar said: "I'm really excited about Leafi and excited about what we can develop him into as a footballer. Langi is 100 per cent fit, so it's not a case of Langi being at 80 per cent why we've gone with him on the bench. We've gone with him starting because I think he's the best man for the job this week, and Langi will bring real impact and influence off the bench."
