Reds debut looming for 18-year-old rookie

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Frankie Goldsbrough and Kohan Herbert have been honoured with starting debuts for the Reds’ upcoming clash against the Wild Knights at Kumagaya Stadium on Monday.

There’s also a debut in waiting for wing Heremaia Murray and a potential first cap for loose forward Hamish Muller off the bench.

Ryan Smith will don the captain’s armband for the first time as he joins a roll call of lock captains for the region that includes John Eales, Rod McCall, Bill Campbell and James Horwill.

Preparations have been ramped up for the focus of the team’s tour of Japan where the Reds will defend the Saitama-Queensland Shield which they won against the Wild Knights in 2022 by 55-30 and in 2023 by 31-29 respectively.

Goldsbrough’s selection in the centres is recognition of his progress since being contracted directly out of school last year.

The 18-year-old will join the likes of Elton Flatley and Jordan Petaia as players who enjoyed their first minutes for the Reds at age 18.

Goldsbrough will combine with his former schoolboy centre partner Dre Pakeho who he played together with in 2022.

The duo played a strong 80 minutes together in last Sunday’s trial win over the Wild Knights when the dangerous speed and counter-attacking of the home side was identified.

Herbert gets the nod at openside flank following a solid season for Souths in the Hospital Cup and has hardened his game with a range of experiences.

His father’s Kiwi heritage created an opportunity for the Downlands College product to play abroad where he represented the New Zealand U19 side and Bay of Plenty after being an age-group Queensland representative.

Murray is on tour as a player of interest to the Reds.

His Pedigree for Northland in New Zealand flowed into three matches for the Crusaders earlier this year.

Muller’s opportunity should be a beacon for club players in the Queensland region believing anything is possible.

Five players from the Brisbane club scene and Reds Academy were selected to tour after training with the Reds squad for a month.

Muller’s strong-carrying cameo at No.8 for the final 19 minutes of the trial game has earned him a spot on the bench to cover the loose forward positions.

Standing tall at 1.95 metres, the 21-year-old Muller played in the Brothers’ premiership pack this season after starting his rugby journey at Toowoomba Grammar.

Will Cartwright has also been rewarded with a spot on the bench as utility cover, with the Brothers back again impressing after cameos against Wales and Tonga.

Reds head coach Les Kiss has installed Tom Lynagh as the starting No.10 behind a seasoned pack boasting four forwards with Test experience.

Kalani Thomas will be entrusted with the No.9 jersey who made a successful return from injury in the trial match.

“It’s terrific to have these international experiences as a team and to keep building on this relationship we have with the Wild Knights,” Kiss said.

“Ryan Smith has been a leader within the squad all season and to name him captain is a reward he deserves.

“We said from the start that this tour could provide opportunities for some players from club rugby so it’s a highlight to see Kohan and Hamish earn their spots.”

The Wild Knights have mamed a strong lineup, including Japan’s 2023 World Cup loose forward Jack Cornelsen.

For the third year the clash will take place on November 4 and will recognise the 40th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Saitama Prefecture and Queensland.

Reds: 15 Mason Gordon, 14 Floyd Aubrey, 13 Frankie Goldsbrough, 12 Dre Pakeho, 11 Heremaia Murray, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Joe Brial, 7 Kohan Herbert, 6 Connor Vest, 5 Ryan Smith (captain), 4 Josh Canham, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Taine Roiri, 20 Hamish Muller, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Will Cartwright.