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Hunter Paisami has resisted domestic and international offers to re-sign with the Queensland Reds and hopes to return from a knee injury in what looms as a crunch final-round Super Rugby fixture.
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The 24-Test Wallabies centre confirmed his short-term future on Wednesday after signing a one-year extension to remain with Rugby Australia and at Ballymore next season.
That’s despite interest from Australian Super Rugby rivals and abroad and the fact the Reds’ search to replace departing coach Brad Thorn is ongoing.
“I thought about what’s best for me and my young family, it’s best to stay here,” he said, while also thanking Thorn for taking a chance on him.
Paisami was cut by the Melbourne Rebels but revived his career in Brisbane club rugby, forcing his way into the Reds’ side then debuting for Australia in the same year.
One of a host of contenders to wear the 12 or 13 jersey at this year’s World Cup, he’s had a “three to five minute” phone chat with new Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.
“It was straight to the point,” he said.
“Just a check up … he gave me two things to work on, things to keep doing and that was it.
“I’m not looking ahead to that (World Cup) yet … if the opportunity comes I’ll be grateful.”
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A fit-again Samu Kerevi shapes as an obvious selection at No.12 but beyond that there’s a long list of Australian-based centres queuing up for their shot.
Jones said the 25-year-old was “a young player that is still learning and growing”.
“He can play 12 or 13, and has the potential to be a really valuable centre in the years ahead – I hope he can get back from his injury and work on continuing that trajectory.”
The tough-as-nails talent hasn’t played since a knee injury in round five but is back running and could feature in Fiji against the Drua on June 3.
The Reds are sixth but likely need a win against the imposing Blues (7-4) on Friday in Brisbane, away to the Highlanders next week or in Fiji to ensure a finals berth.
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They’ll welcome back Josh Flook (quad) in the No.13 but have lost James O’Connor (concussion) in a blow after his season-best performance at inside centre in their historic defeat of the Chiefs last Friday.
Taj Annan will replace him in the No.12 while Harry Wilson remains on the bench with in-form hooker Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith in a ploy that paid dividends in New Plymouth last week.
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a let’s-see-what-you're-made-of type of a game. The Bulls do look good when the opposition allows them to, but Munster shut them down, and they could not find a way through. Jake should be very worried about their chances in the competition.
2 Go to commentsHats off to Fabian for a very impressive journey to date. Is it as ‘uniquely unlikely’ as Rugby Pass suggests, given Anton Segner’s journey at the Blues?
1 Go to commentsSad that this was not confirmed. When administrators talk about expanding the game they evidently don’t include pathways to the top tier of rugby for teams outside of the old boys club. Rugby deserves better, and certainly Georgia does.
1 Go to commentsLions might take him on if they move on Van Rooyen but I doubt he will want to go back, might consider it a step backwards for himself. Sharks would take him on but if Plumtree goes on to win the challenge cup they will keep him on. Also sharks showing some promising signs recently. Stormers and Bulls are stable and Springboks are already filled up. Quality coach though, interesting to see where he ends up
1 Go to commentsAnd the person responsible for creating a culture of accountability is?
2 Go to commentsMore useless words from Ben Smith -Please get another team to write about. SA really dont need your input, it suck anyway.
264 Go to commentsThis disgraceful episode must result in management and coach team sackings. A new manager with worse results than previous and the coaching staff need to coached. Awful massacre led by donkeys.
1 Go to commentsInteresting article with one glaring mistake. This sentence: “And between the top four nations right now, Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand…” should read: And between the top four nations right now, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and France…”. Get it right wistful thinkers, its not that hard.
23 Go to commentsHow did Penny get the gig anyway?
2 Go to commentsNice write up Nick and I would have agreed a week ago. However as you would know Cale & co got absolutely monstered by the Blues back row of Sotutu, Ioane and Papaliti and not all of these 3 are guaranteed a start in the Black jumper. He may need to put some kgs before stepping up, Spring tour? After the week end Joe will be a bit more restless. Will need to pick a mobile tough pack for Wales and hope England does the right thing and bashes the ABs. I like your last paragraph but I would bring Swinton, Hannigan into the 6 role and Bobby V to 8
21 Go to commentsThe Crusaders can still get in to the Play Off’s. The imminent return of outstanding captain Scott Barrett and his All Black team mate Codie Taylor will be a big boost.There are others like Tamaiti Williams too. Two home games coming up. Fellow Crusader fans get there and support these guys. I will be.
1 Go to commentsCant get more Wellington than Proctor.
2 Go to commentsWhy not let the media decide. Like how they choose the head coach. Like most of us we entrust the rugby system to choose. A rugby team includes the coaches. It's collective.
13 Go to commentsHi NIck, I have been very impressed with him and he seems a smart player who can see opportunities which Bobby V _(who must be an international 6_) doesn’t see or have the speed to take advantage of. If he continues to improve and puts on 5kgs then he could be a great 8. He is a bit taller than Keiran Reid at 1.93m and 111 kgs, so his skill set fits his body size and who knows where it will lead. I hope the spate of Achilles tendon issues have been dealt with by the S&C people. It’s been a very long time since Mark Loane and Kefu stood out at 8. The question is will we be able to hold onto him, if he does make it he will be pretty hot property. I disagree with the idea of letting them go to the Northern Hemisphere and then bring them back.
21 Go to commentsBilly Fulton 🤣🤣🤣🤣 garrrmon not even close
13 Go to commentsDoes the AI take into account refs? hahaha Seriously why not have two on field refs to avoid bias?
23 Go to commentsVern challenging this Blues side might be the edge they need to fulfill their potential. Convincing results from strong D and strong carries are hard to argue against.
1 Go to commentsLove seems to add a strong back field defense with speed to close the gap and tackle to his ability to attack, kick and pass (an accurate long pass). This sets him an edge over some of the other names - JRK in particular. Has to be said that Jordan and Stevenson have also been exposed defensively while Love has yet to face test match intensity. Spoilt for choice.
1 Go to commentsHe’s strung together a few strong seasons, I’d like to see him in the ABs and build some depth along with Reiko and ALB. Levi Aumua hasn’t taken the step we hoped to see but time yet.
2 Go to commentsWhere has our good friend Pecos gone!? Similar place to the Crusaders D, the abyss.
4 Go to comments