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Tate McDermott and Liam Wright to captain Reds again in 2024
New coach Les Kiss has named familiar co-captains to lead the Queensland Reds during Super Rugby Pacific with Tate McDermott and Liam Wright holding onto their roles in 2024.
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With Brad Thron’s commendable stint at Ballymore coming to an end last year, the Reds are preparing to usher in a new era with Les Kiss in charge.
But for the Reds to take some steps forward this season, the Queenslanders need the right people leading the way. For Kiss, two men emerged as proven candidates.
Wallabies Tate McDermott and Liam Wright will pave the way for the Queenslanders as they look to build on their eighth-place finish last time around.
“It’s important to allow a thorough process and clear thought when making a decision of this magnitude, but I am extremely pleased to be announcing Liam and Tate as our 2024 co-captains today,” Kiss said in a statement.
“Forming relationships with them both over the last few months at Ballymore has been a fantastic experience.
“They are outstanding young men on and off the field, who share an immense passion for the team and the state of Queensland, and genuine care for our organisation and their peers.
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“They are determined to deliver for our fans and, supported by a squad rich in both potential and experience, they will wear our jersey with pride and everything in their power to achieve success.”
It should be of no surprise really to see either man named as a co-captain. McDermott has developed into a respected leader, not just with the Reds but Wallabies as well.
McDermott captained Australia during last year’s Bledisloe Cup Test at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium after cementing his place as the nation’s number one halfback.
With 22 tries in 79 Reds caps, as well as 29 Tests for Australia, there’s no denying that McDermott will continue to play a pivotal role for the Queenslanders in 2024.
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“I feel honoured to be asked to lead our group alongside my good mate Liam again this season,” McDermott explained.
“I’m enthusiastic about where our team can go and bringing the fans on the journey with us is something that I care deeply about.
“It’s an utter privilege for ‘Wrongaz’ and I to lead this club forward and is something I’ll never take for granted.”
McDermott debuted for the Queensland Reds in the second round of the 2018 season against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. But he wasn’t the only debutant that night.
Backrower Liam Wright ran out in Reds colours for the first time at Super Rugby level that night, and the pair have both been mainstays of the team ever since.
Wright has played five Tests for the Wallabies, dating back to a debut against the All Blacks at Eden Park in 2019. The leader has also played 69 games for Queensland and scored 10 tries.
“Leading and serving this group is a great privilege, and I will work hard to help make us a team that Queensland and its fans can be proud of,” Wright added.
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Wins
4
Draws
0
Wins
1
Average Points scored
32
21
First try wins
80%
Home team wins
40%
“Les and his coaches bring a new, exciting dynamic that I’m eager to learn from and add to.
“It is a genuine pleasure getting to do this side-by-side with my good mate Tate, and I can’t wait to build on the foundations and cohesion we have developed in the roles and see how far we can go as a team in 2024.”
The Queensland Reds will kick off their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign – and their new era under Les Kiss – at home against arch-rivals the NSW Waratahs on Saturday, February 24.
Comments on RugbyPass
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
1 Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
11 Go to commentsHiding coming up for Saders.
1 Go to commentsDagg really does go down some rabbit holes doesnt he? In the name I guess.
6 Go to commentsHey Brett I’m one who is looking forward to seeing JS back on the rugby field. I was under the impression that a large portion of his contract was via a third party so RA isn’t having to foot the bill My big concern is around the Tahs and what is happening there, why are so many players bailing. Is it the program, the coaches or the culture. Joe Schmidt recently said he had been at the Tahs all week and DC is a good coach. Something doesn’t gel , 10 front row forwards in a season that’s not bad luck
13 Go to commentsIncorrect title. He hasn’t said Furlong is one of the best scrummagers. He said he is one of the best props.
1 Go to comments“_It seems like a crazy thing that he was counting them_“ Are you stupid, mate? Anyone with more than half a brain understands that he meant “a lot” or something similar. Do you really think he was counting? “*Goode*: Told you, Jim!“ No, you banana. You said, explicitly, that the Irish players didn’t say what EE said they did. Even though you weren’t there. Even though you didn’t hear a word they said. M0r0n.
107 Go to commentsI am sure that Scott Robertson did do the courtesy of telling Sam Cane that he was not in his All Black plans and NZR would support him if he wished to sign a lucrative pension playing out his career in the cream puff rugby that is Japan’s Top League. I fail to see this as a negative as Israel Dagg is trying to spin it. Razor allowed Cane to leave with dignity rather than being unceremoniously dumped as was Buck Shelford.
6 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsHey rugbypass can I also get involved with writing rugby articles?
1 Go to commentsAT THE END OF THE DAY THE TEAM WITH 4 WORLD CUPS WILL ALWAYS GET TO TELL THE OTHER NATION TO SUCK MY BALLS. THIS IS A SCIENTIFIC AND IRREFUTABLE FACT.
107 Go to commentsWish him and his family the best in his retirement from International rugby and into the future.
1 Go to commentsSelf proclaimed expert/pundit Andy Goode and his very personal views on referees…Why recalling them in such an article as if he were an undisputed authority on the subject ? Only because fellow writer ?
1 Go to commentsLate growth spurts are a common problem over here. I’m well over 30, and I just started having a growth spurt too. Could be a world class prop soon.
1 Go to commentsas much as the challenge cup is a bit of a nothing competition, winning it would still mean something. last year it was won by toulon, who are now something like 4th in the top 14? The year before it was won by Lyon a season before they finished 3rd in the league. The year before that the final was contested by Montpellier and Leicester - 12 months before they both became domestic champions. That should give Gloucester fans some hope.
1 Go to commentsgreat article - although I can’t help wonder whether the more relevant debate over coming years will be between Ford and Fin Smith!
12 Go to commentsMaking Scott Barrett captain might be a masterstroke….will calm him down & stop brain fades and also take pressure off Ardie, so he can just play his natural monster game. Lets see how that all pans out🧐
8 Go to commentsI’m surprised Scotland are planning to rest key players this summer - I don’t think any other tier 1 nation will be doing the same?
3 Go to commentsGreat analysis Brett and what a shame that RA haven't spent more on the tight five instead. BTW I see the latest 8-9 Combo has dropped, looking forward to that. It's incredible the amount of damage that Hamish and Eddie's egos did in such a short space of time. From memory Eddie drove the initial drive to poach league stars way back in the 00s, with community rugby paying the price in reduced funding. Australia went from 15% of its income being spent on community rugby in 2002 to 2.4% in 2015, sheer madness and look where they are now. Hamish reminds me of Scrappy Doo. Always mouthing off, spoiling for a fight with bigger dogs who'd eat him alive. Sadly RA didn't have a Scooby Doo to bail him out.
13 Go to comments*_“I love watching bone-shuddering tackles, brutal clear-outs, monster ball carries, and crushingly intense scrummaging. I love it. These things make my heart rate spike. These aren’t the only things I love about rugby, but I feel no need to pretend I don’t love them, or to apologise for loving them just in case someone thinks I shouldn’t.”_* beautifully put Flats🔥
3 Go to comments