Queensland Reds & NSW Waratahs: Pre-Season to Super Rugby Pacific

This report synthesizes information regarding the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs' pre-season preparations and initial Super Rugby Pacific fixtures, including individual player performances and match outcomes. The teams faced each other in a pre-season trial and later in the Super Rugby Pacific season opener, followed by subsequent matches against other opponents.

Pre-Season Showdown: Reds Host Waratahs at Ballymore

On January 31, the Queensland Reds hosted the NSW Waratahs in a pre-season trial match at Ballymore Stadium, the BMS National Rugby Training Centre. This marked the first pre-season trial between the two teams at the venue since 2005. The match, scheduled for 2pm AEST, was broadcast live on Stan Sport.

Reds' 45-Test Wallaby lock, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who began his career at Ballymore in 2016, expressed the significance of playing at their training ground before family and friends. He noted the rare occurrence of a Waratahs trial at the venue in 21 years and described the match as beneficial preparation. Salakaia-Loto, 29, aimed for consistent game time and performance improvement following a previous season limited to seven Super Rugby Pacific appearances due to injuries. He also served as a mentor for younger Reds forwards, including Vaiuta Latu and Charlie Brosnan. The trial featured a lock match-up between Queensland's Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham, and NSW's new captain Matt Philip and Angus Blyth.

Trial Match Details

The NSW Waratahs defeated the Queensland Reds 49-19 in the pre-season trial. The attendance for the match was 3,218.

• Venue: Ballymore Stadium
• Result: NSW Waratahs 49 - Queensland Reds 19
• Half-time Score: Waratahs 35-12 Reds

• NSW Waratahs Tries: Leafi Talataina (2), Harry Potter, George Poolman, Teddy Wilson, Clem Halaholo, Sid Harvey.
• NSW Waratahs Conversions: Sid Harvey (7).
• Queensland Reds Tries: Jock Campbell, Richie Asiata, Matt Faessler.
• Queensland Reds Conversions: Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

Waratahs scored in the second minute through an intercepted pass, leading to a 65-meter run by winger Harry Potter. The Reds' Jock Campbell scored after a turnover, and hooker Richie Asiata scored from a rolling maul. Replacement hooker Matt Faessler scored a try from a quick tap at full-time for the Reds.

Reds Head Coach Les Kiss identified areas for improvement, noting the team had "plenty to work on" and that the Waratahs "played us off the park in quite a few areas," particularly concerning execution and defensive resilience.

Waratahs Dominate Super Rugby Pacific Season Opener

The NSW Waratahs defeated the Queensland Reds 36-12 in their Super Rugby Pacific season opener in Sydney. This secured a bonus point victory for the Waratahs, ending a four-match losing streak against their rivals. The match drew an attendance of 16,655.

Season Opener Match Details

• Venue: Sydney
• Result: NSW Waratahs 36 - Queensland Reds 12
• Half-time Score: Waratahs 17-12 Reds

• NSW Waratahs Tries: Max Jorgensen (2), Clem Halaholo (7th minute), Isaac Kailea (65th minute), Teddy Wilson.
• NSW Waratahs Kicking: Lawson Creighton successfully kicked five goals from five attempts.
• Queensland Reds Tries: Joe Brial (20th minute, collected a loose pass), one additional try before halftime.

Waratahs winger Max Jorgensen scored two tries. His first involved a 70-meter run after receiving offloads from Joey Walton and Jimmy Hendren. His second try resulted from lead-up play by Charlie Gamble following a cross-field kick from Jack Debreczeni. Queensland's Vaiuta Latu was sin-binned for offside play, leading to Waratahs captain Matt Philip instructing a penalty goal.

Reds coach Les Kiss noted the Waratahs' possession advantage and field position, coupled with 17 penalties against his team, as contributing factors to the loss.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 2: Waratahs Continue Winning Streak

The NSW Waratahs secured their second consecutive win of the season, defeating the Fijian Drua 36-13 in Sydney. The match was played in hot, humid conditions.

Round 2 Match Details

• Venue: Sydney
• Result: NSW Waratahs 36 - Fijian Drua 13
• Half-time Score: Waratahs 14-10 Drua

• NSW Waratahs Tries: Charlie Gamble (10th minute), Max Jorgensen (2), Ioane Moananu (2), Angus Blyth.
• Fijian Drua Tries: Taniela Rukuro.
• Fijian Drua Kicking: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (conversion, penalty goal).

Charlie Gamble scored the opening try for the Waratahs. Max Jorgensen scored his first try, navigating past Drua winger Taniela Rukuro and fullback Ilaisa Droasese. Debut hooker Ioane Moananu scored two tries after entering the game from the bench, as did second-rower Angus Blyth. Max Jorgensen scored his second try of the night, bringing his total to four in two games. Pete Samu, a 34-Test veteran playing at number eight, played for the Waratahs hours after the birth of his child. The Queensland Reds had a bye in round two.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 3: Waratahs Stumble, Reds' Salakaia-Loto Shines

The Waratahs experienced their first defeat of the season against the Hurricanes, losing by 40 points in a match where the Hurricanes scored nine tries to three. Waratahs center Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii sustained a hamstring injury during the warm-up, potentially sidelining him for up to six weeks.

Coach Dan McKellar cited 18 turnovers, ineffective kicking, and defensive vulnerabilities, including 28 missed tackles, as factors in the loss. The team also played a period with 13 players due to two sin bins.

Rookie fullback Sid Harvey made his debut from the bench during the match. Waratahs captain Matt Philip emphasized the need for a team review following the performance. Meanwhile, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto demonstrated strong performances for the Queensland Reds, including in their win over the Highlanders during an earlier round.

Later Fixture: Reds Clinch Victory Over Waratahs in Suncorp Thriller

The Queensland Reds defeated the Waratahs 26-17 at Suncorp Stadium in a later fixture, with increased scoring occurring in the final 20 minutes.

Match Details

• Venue: Suncorp Stadium
• Result: Queensland Reds 26 - Waratahs 17

• Queensland Reds Tries: Harry Wilson (opening), Carter Gordon (2), Daugunu (assisted by Isaac Henry).
• Waratahs Tries: Jamie Adamson (16th minute), Ioane Moananu (41st minute, rolling maul), Harry Potter (set up by Max Jorgensen).

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson scored the opening try for the Reds, set up by Carter Gordon and Jock Campbell. Waratahs flanker Jamie Adamson responded with a try in the 16th minute. Ioane Moananu scored from a rolling maul for the Waratahs in the 41st minute, breaking a 7-7 tie.

In the final 20 minutes, Joe Brial advanced into Waratahs territory, and Carter Gordon scored his first try by recovering a knocked-down ball. Max Jorgensen set up Harry Potter for a Waratahs try. Daugunu responded for the Reds with a long-range break, connecting with Isaac Henry to score. A try attempt by Waratahs center Triston Reilly was disallowed. Gordon then scored his second try, breaking clear from halfway, sealing the Reds' victory.

Reds coach Les Kiss commented on Gordon's speed and the team's resilience despite a 12-5 penalty count against them and making 77 more tackles. Isaac Henry performed effectively, and the Reds anticipated the return of Hunter Paisami from a leg injury for their upcoming match against the Drua in Fiji.

Player Focus: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto's Resurgent Form

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, a Queensland Reds lock and 45-Test Wallaby, has demonstrated strong performances early in the Super Rugby Pacific season, including in the Reds' win over the Highlanders. These efforts are positioned as an attempt to secure a more prominent role in Wallabies squads. Salakaia-Loto, who turns 30 this year, previously played in three tour matches against the 2025 British and Irish Lions and was included in Wallabies squads for the Rugby Championship and European spring tour in 2025. His involvement in Test matches during that period was limited to four of 11, with one appearance off the bench against England.

Salakaia-Loto attributes his current form to increased maturity and a clearer understanding of his optimal preparation methods. He contributed to defense and ruck work during the Reds' victory over the Highlanders, establishing a physical presence. The Reds are scheduled to play against the undefeated ACT Brumbies in Canberra, a venue where the Reds have not won since 2021.