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Rugby Australia re-signs Wallaby midfielder on one-year extension
Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) have today announced the re-signing of Hunter Paisami until the end of the 2024 season.
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After debuting for the Reds in 2020, the hard-tackling centre has risen quickly to the international arena, having already played 24 games for the Wallabies.
The 25-year-old is currently rehabilitating an MCL injury he suffered against the Melbourne Rebels in Round 5 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this year and hopes to return for Queensland before the end of the 2023 campaign.
Paisami is renowned for being one of the fiercest tacklers pound-for-pound in the game, and looms as a constant threat for teams looking to spread the ball to the edges.
Born in Samoa, he earned his shot with the Reds in 2020 after standout campaigns with Wests in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup and Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship.
Paisami went on to play 15 of Queensland’s 17 matches that year, before debuting for Australia in a 16-16 draw against the All Blacks in Wellington the same season to cap an outstanding first year in the professional game.
He played all three Tests in the home series win against France in 2021 and was involved in nine of the Wallabies’ 14 Tests in 2022.
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Paisaimi said: “I’m grateful to have re-signed with the Reds and Australian Rugby – Queensland is home for me and my young family.
“It’s a promising time with the opening of the new NRTC and I’m looking forward to using that facility. We have a lot to achieve on the field next season and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“It’s a big year for the Wallabies with the World Cup in France. Hopefully I get the opportunity to be a part of it, but for now I am focussed on rehab and getting myself back on the field for the Reds.”
Wallabies Head Coach Eddie Jones said: “Hunter is a young player that is still learning and growing.
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“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.”
Now firmly entrenched in the Queensland Reds backline, with six tries in 40 games in the maroon jersey, Paisami joins the likes of Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru and Matt Faessler in re-committing to the Reds over the past two months.
Queensland Rugby General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said: “It’s great to have another of our Wallabies recommit beyond the Rugby World Cup.
“Hunter has had a rapid rise since moving up from Melbourne in 2019.
“He’ll be another player to bring up 50 games for Queensland in 2024, and we hope to see him build on his 24 Test matches this year and next.”
-Press Release/Rugby AU
Comments on RugbyPass
Sly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
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