Coach Les Kiss ‘absolutely rapt’ as Reds re-sign young halfback

Coach Les Kiss is “absolutely rapt” to have Sunshine Coast product Louis Werchon re-sign with the Queensland Reds for 2026. Werchon debuted for the Reds in 2022 and has gone on to feature in matches against Wales, Tonga, Ulster, and the Panasonic Wild Knights.

Werchon has re-committed to the Queensland Rugby Union to remain with the Reds for what will be his third Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The 22-year-old has played 11 matches for Queensland since facing the Wild Knights in Japan a few years ago.

On May 12, 2023, Werchon played a Super Rugby match for the first time, with the Reds making history with a shock 25-22 win over the Chiefs at Yarrow Stadium. The blond-haired halfback made another three appearances in 2024 and has played twice so far this season.

Coach Kiss selected Werchon to provide impact off the bench in the round four loss across the ditch to the Crusaders in Christchurch, and later the round six win over the Highlanders at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“I’m definitely really excited to have my future locked in. I love playing footy and I love the enjoyment with the playing group when the Queensland jersey means so much,” Werchon said.

“I feel the extra maturity I’ve gained from the past two years at the Reds is the biggest part of my improvement.

“[Backs and defence coach] Brad Davis has been a big part of that. He can come on fiery but he gets through to players. For me, improving my defence has been a real gain in the good learning environment we have at the Reds.”

Werchon is a product of Sunshine Coast Grammar, which is the same high school Wallaby Tate McDermott attended. McDermott has regularly been called upon to captain the Reds solo in 2025 with Liam Wright out injured, with the skipper leading by example.

McDermott joined an exclusive club last weekend by playing his 100^th game for Queensland in a loss to the Brumbies at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Kalani Thomas has been another reliable option at halfback for the Reds, while Werchon has provided depth and cover in the position.

“I’m absolutely rapt that Louis has chosen to continue developing his qualities as a No. 9 at the Reds,” coach Kiss explained.

“His skills match the way we play here and he’s driven to get better every day. I’ve no doubt we will see a lot more of him in the Reds jersey.

“He has the right attitude and mindset around the squad and he’s a valued member in the locker room.”

After last weekend’s 39-26 loss to the Brumbies, the Reds will look to bounce back when they take the field at Suncorp Stadium to take on defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Blues in a mammoth Trans-Tasman derby.

The Reds are currently fourth on the ladder and have a tough run home ahead of the playoffs, with three consecutive away matches to come against the Fijian Drua, Waratahs and the Brumbies.

In the final two rounds before the playoffs, the Reds will host the Hurricanes and Drua in games that could very well have significant ramifications on how the ladder looks at the end of the regular season.