Weighing in at 91kg, one wouldn’t know that 21-year-old rookie Hunter Paisami is 14 kilograms lighter than former Reds enforcer Samu Kerevi.
With only five Super Rugby caps under his belt, Paisami has single-handedly taken on a new role as Queensland’s hard-running 13. In a backline with no shortage of skill, surrounded by the playmaking abilities of James O’Connor along with Hamish Stewart’s bold defence, Paisami finishes off a recipe for disaster towards opposition backlines and fatigued forwards.
Showcased in his debut Reds start against the Sunwolves, Paisami inflicted pain against the Barbarian-like backline, shining bright in a Reds performance that was near perfect.
Running 70 metres compiled of straight and hard lines, Paisami bumped and bruised off eight defenders, threatening the defensive line with every carry.
Supported by the swift service of Tate McDermott, a youthful, electric scrumhalf making coach Dave Rennie dribble with the thought of ‘what could be’; Paisami thrived off both the early long ball dished out by O’Connor and the short delayed bullet from Stewart.
In the head-to-head battle, the Auckland-raised young gun made Sunwolves JJ Engelbrecht look like the Super Rugby amateur. Paisami made five more carries, didn’t allow Engelbrecht to run over him once and looked at home with a flying Speight by his side.
His spectacular try aided by the vision of McDermott, highlighted his ability to read the defensive line and draw out tired forwards. While he may not have the imposing size of his former counterpart Kerevi, Paisami makes up for it with his speed and acceleration.
For the one-time Rebels rookie to shine, Paisami needs to be given the sole instruction to pin his ears back and run hard, angled lines; challenging the tackling abilities of opposition five-eights and inside centres.
Getting his hands on the ball will be no problem with Stewart by his side; a Matt Giteau-like centre who is a master of the pass and a wall in defence.
While the Reds backline may still be considered young; the void has been filled for Jordan Petaia, as long as Paisami maintains his discipline and ball security.
With ball in two hands and no shortage of support players, Paisami will continue to shine and grow as the Reds new hard runner, short in stature though strong in his stride.
BackInBlack
Guest
The Reds are 1 from 5 with their only win against the Sunwolves. I’m sure the Crusaders are shaking in their boots (*_*) !
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Agreed that Laumape would have been valuable at the WRC, but I don't think ALB is a slouch either Matt.
Phil
Guest
I guess this was written before the Sharks game?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
TLN, I agree with 100%
Tooly
Roar Rookie
He looks good , but hold the phone on the enforcer bit. A long way to go.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Sinclair I thought Duncan was a very different player. He was more of a second playmaker. Had a bit of hard running about him but was really a hole runner too.
Matt
Guest
Agreed, If only Laumape the juggernaut was at the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Bubba Hansen picked that dud ALB instead.
Locky
Guest
To be honest he looks a much much better player than Petaia.Looks real good. If only he had a proper 10 12 and 15 to play with.
Sinclair Whitbourne
Roar Rookie
Thanks for taking the time to write this - a good read. He runs good lines and some of that speaks to instinct that you can't always train (a good thing). He's a very hard man in the ball carry - above his weight. Lots to like. Two notes of caution for me. First, Duncan Paia'aua was a very similar style of player (albeit a 12) who looked a potential Wallaby in his first season. Sadly, we are not always good at developing our young talent (CFS another example to me) as Duncan P's case shows. Other note of caution is that the inside backs (10,12, 13) for Qld are very similar in attributes, style. Against Natal, as a collective, they lacked a bigger body and the ability to kick over, or through. I think they will face similar issues again against Canterbury. At least Hegarty, who can kick, is in the squad. He is no more talented than JOC, Paisami and even Stewart but he brings a slightly different dimension. Stewart can kick but I haven't seen a short kicking game from him, nor does he seem ready to overcall and step in for longer kicks.
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Well done Stirling, great debut article!
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Did bugger all really !
Dan
Guest
He played well against the whipping boys of the comp Hes been quiet in other four games
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Ha. Dream on. He won't dominate against the Crusaders!
Stirling Taylor
Roar Rookie
Stood up in defence, though in attack was quieter.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Big test for him this Friday. HP runs great lines and provides the much needed straight run from 13. He looked a little lost last week with the Sharks rush defence, they hammered him as soon as he received the ball. How he adjusts this week to the Saders defence will be interesting.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Sunwolves were a rabble worst team in the comp. Against a decent defense in the sharks Paisami did nothing. 11 carries for 14 metres. 1 defender beaten. He lost 3 turnovers having the ball easily stripped from him. He did tackle well though made 10 tackles zero missed. He did do well against the jagueres where he started (so his game against wolves was not his debut start at all) 13 carries 78 metres, 6 defenders beaten, 3 clean breaks and he also tackled well. This shows more promise than the game against the wolves.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Poor man's Ngani Laumape at this stage. Slightly taller than Laumape but 7kgs lighter. I'm yet to be convinced he has Laumape's kicking skills or speed. He's certainly young enough to develop.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Great article Stirling, Paisami has been a real treat to watch hasn't he, loads of mongrel to back up his skill, speed and power too.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Funny that Thorn took him on after his issues at the Rebels. Against the Wolves he was great but not so great last week. Hunter runs hard and with good lines. Another promising prospect. Let's see how he dominates against the Saders.
Jon Dicks
Guest
Did he play against the Sharks? How did he go?