Queensland can breathe a sigh of relief in the knowledge Liam Gill will stay with the Reds until the end of next season, after the talented openside flanker signed a one-year contract extension.
Speculation about Gill’s future has grown in recent weeks after he told Fox Sports last month he was pondering a shift to Melbourne Rebels following strong interest from the south.
But the 23-year-old put the conjecture to bed on Friday, announcing he’ll remain at the club with whom he made his Super Rugby debut in 2011.
“Queensland has been huge in my development and I didn’t want to walk out on the club,” said Gill, who has been capped 15 times by the Wallabies.
“It’s good to know I’ll be here next year.
“I now have a new focus which is to help return the club to winning ways.
“We’ve got a lot of promising young guys in the squad which we need to continue to develop and if we do that, we’ve got a bright future.”
Gill’s retention is a shot in the arm for the Reds, who will lose Will Genia and James Horwill to overseas clubs at the end of a tumultuous season further destabilised by coach Richard Graham’s tenuous position.
Queensland have logged just four wins from 15 starts as they prepare for their final regular-season fixture against the NSW Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Quade Cooper is also still locked in negotiations with the Australian Rugby Union about his future, but seems ever more likely to make the move to French club Toulon.
Queensland Rugby chief executive Jim Carmichael admitted it was a relief to lock the side’s most consistent player, who has featured in all but one match and leads the competition for turnovers forced (28).
“There has been a fair bit of speculation about his future for some time,” he said.
“We have always said Liam believes the best place for him to play his Rugby is in Queensland, so to be able to confirm that is an important announcement for Queensland Rugby.”
kippa
Guest
Qc french contract will have a "must have played 60 wallabies tests to commit to french rugby" clause.
Bakkies
Guest
The treatment of Holmes at test level has been horrendous. He only really lost his spot due to injuries. He is still one of the better performing props in Australia and can't make the squad
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Fantastic news, thanks Liam. I was also greatly enthused to read that veteran front rower, Greg Holmes has signed on for 2016. If he puts in a good performance tonight I hope to see him in Wallaby gold. Now Quade, get with the program and stay in Vegas!
Don
Roar Rookie
It's been widely reported and confirmed by Thorn himself in media that he approached the Reds 2 years ago looking for a 1 year deal and wanted to settle back in Brisbane but was knocked back by the Reds. I'd guess that Sam Cordingly may have been involved as the recruitment dude but Richard Graham and Jim Carmichael would surely have had some say as well. Cordingly commented somewhere that they had already filled their O/S player quota when Thorn approached them. Not sure about that though.
Bakkies
Guest
The last two should take the money and run. Anthony Faingaa needs to stop living off his brother's hip, realise he can't continue to go to the same team as a package with him (which is why they moved from the Brumbies) and start looking after his own future. Tapuai hasn't played well for a couple of years and needs a fresh start.
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
Pretty shocked to be fair. I'm sure the ARU would only pay him a top-up if he were to join the Waratahs or Rebels Now for Graham, O'Donohue, Robonson, Schatz, Ant Faingaa, Tapuai,
Mad Mick
Guest
Make Gill Captian Coach and head selector. hes a gun.The sooner QC packs his bag the better the reds will be.
RobC
Roar Guru
Excellent. Btw Carmichael. Describing Gill form as consistent is grossly understated imo The news Im waiting for, even more than QC, is the coach announcement
Rob G
Guest
Hahaha classic.
The Other Steve
Roar Guru
Gill deserved better.
riddler
Guest
who specifically knocked back thorn don? do u have an inside ear?
Combesy
Roar Guru
Good news. I thought he was gone and I wouldn't have blamed him. Now for the Reds to tie down a Thompson and bring in a new coach.
Combesy
Guest
So picked up neville
Don
Roar Rookie
Good news for the Reds and I think for Liam. Although Brad Thorn will be in a role more with the developing players, I think any young forward at the Reds will benefit from spending next year watching, listening and working alongside him. I would have loved to see what a year or 2 of playing with Thorn may have done to guys like Simmons, Schatz and Browning. Unfortunately when Thorn approached the Reds they knocked him back. Big mistake.
pjm
Roar Rookie
This is ridiculous! What if he gets injured before next year, then we have to pay him to sit on his arse like I did on my year off and gain 20 kilo's.
Who?
Guest
That's bigger news than Hooper. Hooper was happy at the Tahs, in every way, so it wasn't a big surprise. Still great news for the Tahs, but honestly, while he might have crazy eyes at times, Hooper's' not crazy! Whereas Gill... There wasn't much reason to stay. Also hoping he made Carmichael put it in writing that he can leave if Woody's not gone by the end of the month.
Jameswm
Guest
Why would the Rebels chase him? McMahon, Fainga'a, Reid - plus Flug. Have Qld still got Thomson next year? I'm interested to see Tui, as that could be a good back row. front row pretty good. One good lock at least. Just need a good coach now...
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Good for all involved I think, Rebels are stacked in the back row and the Reds will need his skills more than ever with players leaving.
Hello
Roar Rookie
I hope so and that Jim will follow through
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
good news for the reds!