Reds homecoming for more 'mature' Wallaby

TRANSFER NEWS: The Queensland Reds announced the signing of Wallabies forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto for the 2025 season.

The influential forward will return to the Queensland Reds as a far more experienced performer because of stints with England’s Northampton Saints (2022-23) and the Melbourne Rebels (2024).

Still only 27, Salakaia-Loto will add all he’s learnt from 32 Tests and 77 Super Rugby appearances to the Reds pack in 2025.

Josh Canham, Matt Gibbon, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson and Salakaia-Loto have now been signed by head coach Les Kiss and Sam Cordingley, the QRU’s General Manager-Professional Rugby, as new talent for the 2025 squad.

“To be back here in Brisbane and at Ballymore is unreal, especially with the way the Reds played this season,” Salakaia-Loto said.

“Having such strong connections to this place, I’m just grateful I could talk things through in a positive way with Les, Sam, the coaching staff, ‘Wrongaz’ [Liam Wright] and Tate [McDermott].

“Hopefully, I can be a part of the Reds taking the next step next year. I know how hard the boys work here so it’s up to us to make it happen.”

Salakaia-Loto was a novice of 19 when he first played for the Reds in 2016. He’s learnt the value of experience but also the value of being able to pass it on.

“The season at Northampton was massive for me in terms of developing my game and my growth as a person off the field as well,” he said.

“I was a sponge learning more about playing lock and flank off experienced forwards like [England stalwart] Courtney Lawes.

“You mature and see the game better. Hopefully, I can pass on some of those learnings because when I was a young fella at the Reds in 2016 I was probably only thinking about what to eat next.

“Life is definitely different and better with a partner and two kids. I’ve heard from the Reds boys that Les is big on family and I’m excited to be part of it all in Brissy.”

Salakaia-Loto played 69 times for the Reds between 2016-22, including a frontline role in the Super Rugby AU trophy triumph that drew more than 40,000 fans to Suncorp Stadium in 2021.

There is the potential for a return to Suncorp Stadium on August 10 with his selection this week in the Wallabies squad to prepare for the Test clash against the world champion Springboks.

When he left Australia for Northampton in 2022, he said: “It’s definitely not over at 30 Tests.” His two Tests against Wales in July confirmed his fresh start.

“It’s great to welcome Lukhan and his young family to Brisbane,” Kiss said.

“He’s gained a wealth of experiences at Northampton and the Rebels to bring back for this wonderful opportunity at the Reds where he started his rugby.

“Sam and I had productive conversations with Lukhan. We’ve also seen his impact for the Wallabies in July. We all look forward to what is ahead.”

Salakaia-Loto was raised in Sydney’s west but it was in Queensland where he found a pathway through the Queensland Under-20s and Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship.