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Seven members of the Australia XV heading to England will warm up with Queensland on their two-match tour of Japan starting later this week. However, a big name is missing from the squad.
Suliasi Vunivalu, who was left out of both the Wallabies and Australian XV squads announced on Tuesday, will not travel.
News Corp reports they are following suggestions from NRL clubs and French rugby clubs. Reports have speculated that Vunivalu could be released early from his contract, which expires next year.
Suliasi Vunivalu of the Reds runs with the ball during the third round Super Rugby Pacific match between the Queensland Reds and Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, on March 9, 2024. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Vunivalu has been a big-money signing in rugby league and has not been expected to have a much bigger impact than Joesph-Aukuso Suaalii has in XV-man games.
Eddie Jones took out a cattle prod to kick-start the winger’s Test career but ultimately threw in the towel on him, as Dave Rennie had done before him.
His Reds coach Les Kiss also dropped Vunivalu as Tim Ryan burst onto the scene.
On Tuesday, Schmidt was asked whether any players had withdrawn from the northern tour. He said he only spoke to players who were not selected to let them know why.
The Reds will take 29 players to Japan for a doubleheader against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, a team coached by Robbie Deans.
Sunday’s clash with the Wild Knights will be played behind closed doors and behind extended benches ahead of the Saitama-Queensland Shield feature match on Monday 4 November.
Seven Reds (Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Josh Nasser, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial and Massimo De Lutiis) traveled to Europe after the second match and were included in the Australian XV squad for matches against Bristol and England A. I am planning to join.
Tom or. (Photo: Pete Dovgan/Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Shaun Anderson (GPS), Sebastian Hanna (Brothers), Kohan Herbert (Souths) and Hamish Muller (Brothers) are included after an impressive month of training with the Reds following a good performance in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
Winger Matt Brice (University of Queensland) also earned a place after progressing through the Buildcorp Reds Academy. Brice is a former Noosa Dolphins player confirmed through the Queensland Country route.
Five players from Brisbane club rugby have all been given the chance to make their Reds debuts on the tour, with Crusaders outback Heremaia Murray, 24, set to go on the tour as a player of interest.
Murray has played three times for the Super Rugby franchise in 2024.
“This is a good, solid team with real focus as a result of the players’ hard work over the last month,” Reds manager Les Keith said in a statement.
“This was essential in preparing for our incredible rivalry with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
“We value the history that both clubs have developed and the opportunity it gives us to showcase exciting talent who are both hungry for opportunities.”
Kiss said he was delighted to reward the Hospital Cup season and the new players discovered in the Reds Academy.
“We have been watching club competitions and academy groups closely to see if these players have the quality,” Keys said.
“Kohan is a true No.7 and leader for the South. Hamish is a good option to cover the backrows and locks. Shaun is a physical and quick outside back. Bas has adapted really quickly in training and Matt has shown through his play. Impressive training that makes a clear case.”
Queensland Reds Tour Squad
hundred
louis warchon
Kalani Thomas
Will Cartwright
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Tom or
Heremaia Murray
matt bryce
dre fake
Frankie Goldsbrough
Floyd Aubrey
Sean Anderson
Sebastian Hanna
mason gordon
forward
Alex Hodgman
gas safety
mat gibbon
Josh Nasser
lychee asiata
george blake
Massimo de Lutius
Jeffrey Tomaga-Allen
ryan smith
corner vest
Josh Canham
Taine Roiri
Cohan Herbert
Max Craig
Joe Briall
Hamish Muller
