‘Pull on that gold jersey again’: Resurgent Wallaby’s future revealed
By Nick Wright
Fuelled by a desire to force his way back into the Wallabies’ fold, Hunter Paisami has defied the allures of overseas ventures and secured his future in Australian rugby.
Fresh off a dominant 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the barnstorming centre has re-signed with the Queensland Reds through to the end of 2026, despite reports he had been linked with a lucrative move to Europe.
Hunter Paisami has re-signed with Australian rugby.Credit: Getty
A frustrating run with injuries last year quashed the 26-year-old’s hopes of adding to his 24 Test caps at the World Cup, but he has returned and helped propel his side to fifth on the ladder.
With the ball in hand, Paisami has been a nightmare for defences, averaging 33 metres and three tackle busts a game.
His kicking game has grown under Queensland coach Les Kiss, while his three try assists in the past three rounds helped take pressure of young five-eighth Tom Lynagh.
Now, Paisami has his eyes set on convincing Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt he is the man to don the No.12 jumper against Wales in July.
“A major goal is to pull on that gold jersey again. That starts here by playing my best footy for the Reds and hopefully the opportunity to play at the next level comes from that,” Paisami said.
“Having the British and Irish Lions touring Australia next year comes around once in a player’s lifetime, and hopefully, I can earn a part in that.
“Stability and finding balance with rugby and family life are massive things. To have that, with the lifestyle of Brisbane for my little family, factored into this decision, for sure.
“We can relax a bit now that I know my future, concentrate on family life outside rugby and aim on winning a championship with the Reds.
Hunter Paisami has been a standout for the Reds this year, as he plots a Wallabies comeback.Credit: Getty
Paisami said the decision was an easy one, “with the way Les wants me to play and wants the team to play with the game plan he brings”.
“I feel big growth in my game, and it helps when you love coming to work.”
Attention for the Reds will turn to securing the services of injured star Jordan Petaia, who has reportedly met with the St George-Illawarra Dragons, mulling a code switch to the NRL.
The two-time World Cup representative will miss the rest of the 2024 season has he undergoes rehabilitation from recent shoulder surgery.
Kiss believed the Reds would secure Petaia moving forward, and the boost in fending off rivals for Paisami’s signature would send a message of strength towards what he hoped to build at Ballymore.
“Hunter has been exceptional for us this season with how he has driven standards,” Kiss said.
“He’s showing more variety in his game. It’s always been there. He’s found how to apply it to the different style we are playing.
“He’s a player who leads by his actions. The form he is in and with his age profile, there are good things ahead for Hunter with the Reds and as the strong option he offers the Wallabies.”