50-Test Wallaby Tate McDermott reflects on try-scoring return from injury

Wallabies and Queensland Reds scrum-half Tate McDermott enjoyed a successful return to the field after eight months on the sidelines, suiting up for the University of Queensland in a 32-28 win over Souths on Saturday afternoon.

McDermott sustained a hamstring injury during a defeat to the All Blacks last September, which has seen the No. 9 miss all of the Super Rugby Pacific season to date, with Kalani Thomas and Louis Werchon starting for the Reds.

The 50-Test Wallaby was helped from the field at Eden Park during the first half, picking up the injury after a contest at the breakdown. In a social media statement the next week, the Wallabies confirmed McDermott required surgery and was set to be unavailable for an extended period.

But McDermott’s long-awaited comeback dream was finally realised over the weekend, lining up for Queensland Premier Rugby side UQ against Souths. It was the first time McDermott had played up for the Red Heavies since the triumphant 2022 QPR Grand Final at Ballymore.

UQ got the chocolates by a thrilling four-point margin, moving up the standings into seventh and drawing level with Souths on 16 competition points. McDermott was interviewed post-game, giving an immediate reaction that should have Wallabies fans feeling optimistic.

“I felt really good, felt a little bit rusty obviously but that comes with your first game in eight months,” McDermott said in a video shared by UQ Rugby Football Club.

“Awesome afternoon down here at St Lucia, had a ball and it was great to get the result as well.

“Just about finding my flow again really. I just keep training hard, making sure the lungs are ticking along. That was probably the biggest thing today, I was blowing a little bit, walking probably too much.

“Just get back into the training and see where we end up.”

 

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McDermott, who has played more than 100 matches for the Reds, scored a try with a moment of quick thinking. UQ were awarded a penalty in the 18^th minute, and McDermott didn’t hesitate, acting fast with the Souths defence still backtracking.

The scrum-half took a quick tap immediately, showcasing some fast feet en route to the try line as well. McDermott burrowed under some tackle attempts to touch down for the five-pointer, with the other Red Heavies swarming the try-scorer.

“I didn’t have to do much, just a quick tap,” McDermott reflected.

“I haven’t taken a quick tap in a while so I thought I’d give it a go and just opened up a little bit and happy to fall over there.”