Hunter Paisami has shunned overseas offers to extend his contract with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds in a boost for the Wallabies’ 2023 World Cup aspirations.
The former Melbourne Rebels centre Paisami blitzed his second rugby chance at the Reds, making his Super Rugby debut and playing every Test under Dave Rennie in a huge 2020.
Leaving the squad for the birth of his first child this year, Paisami was unseated when Samu Kerevi was drafted in and the Japan-based No.12 starred to earn a world player of the year nomination.
When Kerevi didn’t tour the United Kingdom, Paisami was slotted straight back in and was among the Wallabies’ best in the the four-Test Spring Tour.
A destructive ball-runner and defender with passing and kicking nous to match, the 23-year-old Paisami is now locked into the Australian system until after the 2023 World Cup in France.
“He’s a good young man with an impressive skill set who’s only going to improve and that’s really exciting for Reds and Wallabies supporters,” Rennie said.
“His brutal defence and incisive carries were a feature on the end of year tour where he played his best footy in Wallaby gold.”
Queensland Rugby football boss Sam Cordingley said Paisami had attracted plenty of foreign interest before joining fellow Reds and Test players Filipo Daugunu, Tate McDermott, Fraser McReight, James O’Connor, Taniela Tupou and Harry Wilson in securing their futures until at least 2023.
“Despite a lot of overseas interest, Hunter has chosen to stay in Queensland which is great for the Reds and Wallabies leading in 2023,” Cordingley said.
“Hunter’s growth since joining the Reds has been exponential. It’s exciting to think that he has only been professional for two seasons.
“He’s an extremely tough individual and he has become a key part of our game since joining the club.
“It’s great that his family has settled up here in Queensland and Hunter now has a young family of his own.”
Beefa
Guest
Now can we get rid of Hooper so we can sign many more talented youngsters like Hunter to long term contracts or we will lose them to cashed up overseas clubs. Hooper is deadwood and he needs to be let go ASAP. At least sign QC and Kerevi and punt Hooper if that needs to be done to get those two back.Hooper is replaceable those two aren`t.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
There were signs of over playing his role even before Kerevi came into camp when they played France. He was trying to be too cute with his kicks and a number of other things were not going his way at times. It was good to see him settle towards the end of the UK tour.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I think he was trying hard because the game plan, as BBBT said, was not to his strengths at all... he is not a barge player, he is a great line runner... you can't wind him up like Kerevi... your 5/8 needs to take the line on, then allow HP to take a line off him.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
It’s great news, but troubling because of the TV rights deal not in place beyond 2023 we can’t sign any of our players beyond the World Cup. RA is going to have a massive 2 years coming up.
numpty
Roar Rookie
As far as I know Kerevi isn't back... and depth at 12 is a good problem to have particularly with both of them having had injuries in recent years. AND even if he doesn't play for the WBs, he is still a quality player that we want to retain and keep on Aus shores for SR more broadly. If he had gone overseas, it would've been another lost soul, missed opportunity etc
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Well, if Kerevi is back, then Hunter is likely to miss being in the 23.
numpty
Roar Rookie
I don't think Rennie, Thorn or Johnson can either... A crack at it yes, but no guarantee. Given the review of giteau laws, he may have been able to have his cake and eat it to anyway playing overseas. In his statement he said he wanted to give back to the reds after they gave him a chance so I guess the chocolates might have to go to Thorn and co.
soapit
Roar Guru
None can offer him a world cup though
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Bloke copped plenty at times and rightfully so. However, he is young and learning. He will be more consistent in the future. Well done Hunter, RA and the Reds.
Malo
Guest
Should be a great centre pairing him and Kerevi.
numpty
Roar Rookie
Well done to Rennie, Johnson, Thorn or whoever it was that got him over the line. I'm sure there were a few interested parties with better offers coming after him. A win for Australian rugby.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Great news for the Reds and Wallabies. Thought Hunter did well on the Autumn tour culminating in a strong performance against the Welsh. He is still developing his game at 12 but it is built on strong defence, hard straight running and good speed. Look forward to seeing him go well in 2022 and 2023.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Great that he has signed on for another few years. He would’ve been crazy going abroad so early in his career when he has just started to find his feet. And to be fair I think the criticism was well warranted as he was trying a bit too hard there at times. I hope he has a cracker in the upcoming season for the Reds.
BBBT
Roar Rookie
Excellent retention for the Reds and the Wallabies. He copped a lot of unwarranted grief for not being Kervi (who is?) playing a game plan designed for Kervi. When things were paired back to suit his style of play he was excellent again. he has very well rounded skills for how inexperienced he is.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Good news .... I hope his development continues apace