Queensland Reds lock down the Junkyard Dog on new deal

The Junkyard Dog is staying put in Queensland, with the Reds announcing a new two-year deal with the fan-favourite winger.

Tim Ryan made his Super Rugby debut for his hometown team against the Chiefs in 2024, after first donning the red jersey against the Saitama Wild Knights in 2023. But it was a hat-trick against the Blues three games into his rookie season when the ‘Junkyard Dog’ became one of Brisbane’s favourite sons.

Since then, he’s reached a tally of 20 tries in 37 games, establishing himself as a core member of a Reds squad with title ambitions whilst aged just 22.

“It’s a really good feeling to sign your first contract, but to back it up with a second contract at the same club is something I’m proud of,” Ryan said.

“Obviously, I’m very excited knowing the group of players we have going into the next two years at the Reds and the rest of this season.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

23

33

First try wins

0%

Home team wins

20%

The St Patrick’s College product says he’s grown with the Queensland club but also evolved his game as the game itself evolves.

“I definitely feel my game has progressed. Improving my defensive positioning has been one key area, and I thank (defence coach) Brad Davis and (fellow winger) Lachie Anderson for their help there,” Ryan said.

“A big tackle can provide so much energy to the team. Honestly, that tackle against the Blues was better than scoring a try.

“Contestable kicks are also so much an area of the game now. Being able to be a menace, I guess, and just making it messy for the opposition to help get the ball back is a big part.”

Reds Head Coach Les Kiss agreed that Ryan had developed his game in all facets and was excited to retain such a prodigious young talent.

“From the first day I saw him on video, when I came in as Reds coach in 2023, I knew we had a player who was pretty special,” Kiss said.

“I love that he never runs out, which is a trait I really like in a winger.

“His rise to ‘Junkyard Dog’ status has been fantastic, but he’s no flash-in-the-pan. Behind that is a good, solid, young winger who works hard on improving all areas of his game.

“He’s really performed for us in recent games.”

Also adding his voice to the congratulations was St Patrick’s College Director of Rugby, Dan Nethery.

“He presented his Australia A jersey to the school straight after his return from that game. You couldn’t ask for more from a college graduate with the way he stays connected to the school,” Nethery said.