LISTEN: 'Bang, Bang Queensland' - Reds forward hoping new slogan catches on across the state
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is trying to promote rugby in Queensland and bring crowds back to Reds games.
The Queensland Reds have locked in Japanese Test star and back-row standout Hendrik Tui for another season of Super Rugby.
New Zealand-born Tui, 28, has extended his contract with the franchise until the end of 2017.
Limited in his contribution last year due to injury, Tui has been one of the Reds’ best this season and leads all loose forwards in the competition for carries (93) and has beaten the second-most defenders (28).
He has also been Queensland’s second-most productive attacking threat, behind Samu Kerevi.
“I’m really happy to be coming back to the Reds in 2017,” Tui said.
“I was disappointed not be able to contribute as much as I wanted to in my first season with the Reds, so this year has been a rewarding experience, being able to prove to myself and my teammates that I can contribute at this level.
“I see my future at the Reds. I’ve loved my time here so far and I want to keep working hard and contributing to the Reds.”
Tui’s commitment is a coup for the Reds, who will lose flanker Liam Gill to French rugby next year but have signed Brumbies and Wallabies captain Stephen Moore.
“Our 2017 player list is coming together very well and Hendrik will be an important part of that group,” Reds general manager of rugby Daniel Herbert said.
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Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is trying to promote rugby in Queensland and bring crowds back to Reds games.
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Queensland led by seven late in the game, but conceded two late tries to the Kiwi side who claimed a late victory.
The Queensland winger was making his starting debut and he made his tries look like he was a veteran in that position.
Queensland led by seven points with six minutes remaining but the Kiwi side scored two tries - one after the 80 minutes to snatch…
But the winger's three tries weren't enough as the Blues stole a late win 41-37.