20-year-old halfback commits to Queensland Reds through 2027

The Queensland Rugby Union have announced another promising signing update ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with 20-year-old Jams Martens signing with the Reds through until the end of next year.

Martens, who is the son of 1993 Springboks scrum-half Hentie, was already included in the 2026 Reds squad. The Brisbane Boys’ College product impressed with the GPS club in Queensland’s premier grade competition, which led to a Reds debut and this new deal.

Queensland unveiled the signing of Vaiuta Latu earlier this week, who impressed coaches during the inaugural Super Rugby AUS campaign. Latu has signed on through 2027 as well, before being named to start at No. 8 in the team’s first pre-season trial.

Latu will pack down in the backrow against the Western Force on Friday, while Martens will partner Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the halves. Martens lined up for the Reds against Tonga and the Saitama Wild Knights last year and has featured in another four uncapped matches.

“The Reds is definitely a good place for development and to play with the good coaching,” Martens said.

“I have a lot more to learn for sure. It’s nice to have the other halfbacks in the squad in your corner as well because you pick up things every day.

“I definitely enjoyed running out in the Reds jersey last year. It happened very quickly so I know anything can happen when you are working hard.

“Mentally, I always see space and opportunities on the field. That’s always something dad has helped me with in terms of when to quick tap or why you might do things.”

This is an important signing for the Reds, with the club confirming the departure of scrum-half Louis Werchon. The 23-year-old has signed with Italian side Benetton Rugby on a two-year deal from July 2026 to June 2028.

Werchon spent six months with Benetton from July last year, making seven appearances in the United Rugby Championship. The former Australia U20 international will remain with the Brisbane-based side until the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Wallabies Tate McDermott and Kalani Thomas are contracted with the Queensland Rugby Union through until the end of 2027. Thomas has been named in the reserves for this week’s trial out west, while McDermott continues to recover from injury.

“James had been in the Buildcorp Reds Academy program for a number of years,” Kiss explained.

“I love the balance he shows with his instincts and learning his role at No.9 with what his forwards need and so on. He continues to impress with his application to growing his craft at halfback.”