Les Kiss has been the Reds’ coach for all but a month. But the vastly experienced coach has landed an early blow, luring home Junior Wallabies prop Massimo De Lutiis.
The 19-year-old is merely in his infancy as a rugby player, but The Southport School product, who spent two important seasons at the Brumbies, showed he is a player of immense potential during the recent under-20s world championship in South Africa.
The moment he left the field late in the first half against Ireland, the match swung. From a 10-8 lead, the Junior Wallabies were towelled up in the second half at the set-piece and didn’t score another point, losing 30-10.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MAY 29: Australia line up for the national anthem during the match between New Zealand U20 and the Junior Wallabies at NZCIS on May 29, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Massimo De Lutiis (2nd right) was one of the breakout stars in this year’s Junior Wallabies campaign. (Photo: Rugby Australia)
While the Junior Wallabies’ forward pack was by no means a vintage crop, De Lutiis, who was tutored by Dan Palmer over the past two years, was the standout. Had he remained fit, he would have given the hot Junior Wallabies’ backline plenty of ball.
Now Kiss, who showed his ability to nurture and develop players during his time at London Irish, has another fantastic young tight-head option alongside rising 22-year-old Wallabies prop Zane Nonggorr.
“We’re glad Massimo has chosen to join us back in his home state,” Kiss said.
“He’s a player with great promise and will bring plenty to our group of props at Ballymore moving forward.”
In a double dose of good news, the Reds confirmed Fijian World Cup squad member Peni Ravi would be staying at the franchise.
“Peni is great for our squad on-and-off the field,” Kiss said.
“To have someone with his Test match experience is hugely important for our young props and their development as professionals.
“He’ll only add to his knowledge at the World Cup and we wish him all the best for the tournament.
Peni added: “I’ve loved my time with the Reds so far. It’s a great group of players and staff, and I’m looking forward to working in a new world class facility at Ballymore next season. I enjoy working with the young front-rowers at the club and hope I can help them with my experience.”
Les Kiss has managed to lure home rising Junior Wallabies prop Massimo De Lutiis. (Photo by Brendan Hertel, QRU)
It comes off the back of The Roar’s report last week that they had also signed former All Blacks prop, Alex Hodgman.
Meanwhile, the Western Force confirmed that former Reds prop Harry Hoopert, who played for Australia A in 2022 before missing the entire 2023 season because of injury, has signed a two-year deal.
“Harry’s addition brings depth to our front-row,” Force coach Simon Cron said.
“With 48 Super Caps and Australia A appearances, his experience is invaluable. He’ll challenge and elevate his fellow players on a daily basis, both on and off the training field.”
jeznez
Roar Guru
Jack Barret at Loosehead is with the Tahs and looked good on the other side of the scrum. Hopefully he kicks on too. Now if only the Tahs can find a TH. I liked Tauakipulu but he’s been let go after 43 minutes of rugby in three years. Such a shame for a promising 22 year old to have had such little opportunity. Hope he has a better run with injury and coaches that will give him a better crack.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Great news for the Reds. Massimo looks an excellent prospect. He scrummed very well vs NZ and again v Ireland. I’d say his injury was the key turning point in the match v the Irish.
Wig
Roar Rookie
Hey mate what's the go with the open letter and Hamish. Get any free tickets and merchandise a BBQ perhaps or was it all of a bit of a wind up.
cj
Roar Rookie
Good kid. Heaps of potential but just like every other tighthead will never be a world beater due to lack of workd class scrum coaching in Aus and lack of focus on scrummaging in Aus due to Super rugby and how we play the game here. Best thing we could do for blokes like him and Schoupp, Marley Pearce and Siosofa Amosi etc. is send them to clubs in the UK like Leicester and French clubs and bring them back in two years.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
We do JDK, we do. Hoopert hadn't really shown he was up to SR standard except for late in 2022, then went to Aus A and did well before his unfortunate injury. But hasn't put together a strong SR season. This Reds supporter is sorry but not gutted to see him move west, hope he goes well over there.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
More puns to come on that theme for sure? :laughing:
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
If he's Australia A standard but not Super Rugby standard you have a real problem mate!
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
If Hoopert is in his prime we've lost absolutely nothing. He was not super rugby standard and we had to see much better props Ike Van Nek go else where while we had Hoopert
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Great news for the Reds. I worry that the Tahs have been completely silent in this period. If any side showed a lack of big tight forwards, we were the one and yet we've done nothing. Amatosero has been touted for months but I've seen nothing confirmed. Are we constrained by finances or really think we don't need to add these guys?
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
I think the Brumbies or Rebels would be a better development club for a young front rower but happy to be proven wrong
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Often it’s timing. The Reds sign a decent prospect at the time (Nongorr in this case) and then a better prospect comes along a year later
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah that was the one
freddieeffer
Roar Rookie
That's a shocker JD :happy:
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Good ! But hold the phone on his ability !
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yeah agreed, the format is so stupid at the u20s it’s hard to judge. Still, I reckon that’s decent for us to be up there in subsequent world cups, hopefully we can now manage these guys appropriately as they enter professional setups.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Did you notice the trumpeting of the kid coming in and the last minute aside about the bloke in his prime going west? Where's Piru when you need him? :laughing:
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Yes, but the Reds did have plenty of young props on their books. Zander, Hooper, Zonger etc.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Was gutted Nassr was injured this year. Was hoping he would have been on the plane to the RWC. Should be good if both him and Faessler stay fit next year.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
If you watched the game where they went from having a dominant scrum in the first half to having a scrum on roller skates in the second half you would understand. I think it was against Ireland, but may not have been.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Came back home for a Kiss?