The Wallabies’ midfield stocks could be about to go from bad to worse, with Hunter Paisami eyeing up a move to the English Premiership.
The Roar can reveal the 26-year-old is strongly considering a move to Exeter, with Rob Baxter’s side tabling a handsome offer to lure the 26-Test Wallaby away from Ballymore.
Given the quality he’s produced in 2024, it’s understood the Reds are desperate to keep Paisami. The issue is whether Rugby Australia will come to the party.
It’s believed RA has only tabled only a one-year top-up to keep the in-form centre, who is arguably the front-runner to wear the No.12 jersey in 2024.
In contrast, the Chiefs want Paisami to join England international Henry Slade in their backline and have offered him a long-term offer to head up north.
With Izaia Perese heading to Northampton and Jordan Petaia looming like another big name to leave Australian rugby, the Wallabies’ midfield resources would be stretched should Paisami leave.
It would leave Lalakai Foketi, who has faced his own injury setbacks throughout his career, as the only centre from last year’s World Cup campaign still in Australia. Samu Kerevi, the Wallabies regular, will remain in Japan over the next couple of years.
Wallabies and Queensland Reds midfielder Hunter Paisami is weighing up a big move to Exeter. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
While Paisami failed to find his best form last year in part due to back-to-back injuries, the explosive midfielder has been his side’s best player in 2024.
He was one of the only players to leave New Zealand’s north island with his stocks still in place after the Moana Pasifika disaster, before another couple of stand-out performances against the Highlanders and Blues in Brisbane over the past fortnight.
After showing his array of skills and triple threat nature against the Highlanders, he was once again superb during the heartbreaking loss to the Blues on Saturday evening.
His chip-and-chase to send Tim Ryan in for his first of three five-pointers was one of the tries of the year.
“I’m a huge fan of Hunter,” former Wallaby Matt To’omua said on The Roar Rugby Rugby podcast.
“It was nice hearing on the telecast, you can tell that Sonny Bill [Williams] is trying to get a comment on Hunter because he sees there’s a lot of potential.
“For me, he’s now a triple threat: he can pass, run and kick at a very good level.
“I think he’s a guy you’ve got to fit in somewhere. He can play 13, but we saw Lenny Ikitau return over the weekend. There might be a concern of the size of those two in the centres but in terms of physicality they well and truly tick those boxes.”
Last week, having led the Reds to an important win over the Highlanders, former Wallabies Stephen Hoiles and Morgan Turinui marvelled at Paisami’s development.
“How important is he to the Reds?” Hoiles said.
“They’re a different side with him. He missed a lot of footy last year, been in and out this year, he’s so valuable.
“If a game isn’t going their way, he can lock down and hit blokes for fun. If he needs to carry hard, he can distribute, he’s really evolved his game.”
Tuirnui added: “He’s a much more complete footballer. He was great. He’s happy, he’s working hard, he’s got a mindset that no one’s going to get in his way in helping the Reds and getting his gold jersey back.
“He’s a much more complete footballer. Don’t call him a battering ram, he’s got nuance to his game and he’s got deception with his passing and kicking.”
The Reds have a ready-made centre in Isaac Henry on their books should Paisami leave, but the 25-year-old has struggled to stay on the park for any length of time.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Payne Haas forward. Also those are match-winning backs.
AgainAgain
Roar Rookie
They didn't beat me and you completely miss the point due to my poor grammar... I should have had a full stop after "It doesn't work that well" and written "By way of exception it works for SA...." . Australia it won't work because they have neither the structure or the maturity and I think when Australia and the lack of cohesion can be seen by how well they performed at the RWC. Thinking Australia is equivalent to SA is crazy.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Seems like your tinfoil hat has fallen over your eyes.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
On what measure doesn't pulling together a team from all over the place work for SA? After all they beat you in the RWC. Compare this to Ireland who have one of the best cohesive programs in the World that didn't make it into the semis. Not suggesting dumping the Giteau law will or won't work for Australia, but it is crazy to keep doing what we are doing.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Better still, stop funding all Rugby in NSW and rely on all the talent coming from Victoria, WA , Tasmania and SA.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
Aaagghhh we don't need more backs.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
From their managers.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
There are few Wallabies in the last couple of years that have 'performed' consistently at test level. I can only think of a handful. Kellaway, Marika, Cooper... Not many.
Kevin Kranston
Roar Rookie
You rate Foketi higher and the Tahs are sitting (11th) second last and could be last by this weekend :laughing:
Kevin Kranston
Roar Rookie
Donaldson at centre ? :laughing: :laughing:
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Everyone’s abandoning the RA sunk ship. Super is done and dusted.
Rocky's Rules
Roar Rookie
@Wizz Not for the WBs he hasn't - never. I've rated Paisami between 1 and 3 out of 10 in every Test he's played. I repeat - in every Test he's been THE worst player on field. If he's selected again for WBs we'll get the same outcome. And how are the Reds "rejuvenated". We're 60% through the season and they're sitting 6th. Likely outcome is Red's will sneak into the playoffs and be knocked out by the 1st team they play. Thorn did the same with Reds in most of his seasons.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Remember the packed super stadiums in the amateur era through to the 90s and now this so called professionalism albatross.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Super is gone as RA are broke. Players are leaving in droves. Time to make a club comp that entices the kiwi clubs. You coul have a twenty four trans Tasman club comp. Play each other once and bring back tribalism.
Phil
Roar Rookie
He really is incredible at 13 so I understand why moving him isn’t popular. But I’d love to see what he can do there. Actually would love to know what he would think of the idea.
Jetka
Roar Rookie
The vultures are starting to pick on the carcass of Australian rugby. Players will start to worry about being left behind. Having said that, there will probably be a few fringe players about to get some opportunities.
Dean
Roar Rookie
I have no doubt he would be a very good 12 however, IMHO I think he is too good of a 13 to shift. If the Sauce goes Overseas, I can’t really see a stand out 12, probably Foketi I guess. Maybe CG to 12, if we have to have a 10 who is a good goal kicker?
Wizz
Roar Rookie
He is inconsistent no doubt but he has played some good rugby from time to time...just think in this rejuvenated Reds team he looks a certain test 12..
rusty
Roar Rookie
Stewart is a Crotty type player, great defence, good communication, good pass, smart footy player. Being a Kiwi you can probably understand the Crotty reference so shouldn't hurt the brain too much. Time for a cuppa tea, a Bex and a lie down me thinks?? Or is it a Bix, can't remember??
Rocky's Rules
Roar Rookie
@Doctor I'm not suggesting Aust has good quality, or depth, at centre but I rate Paisami right down bottom of list of options for WB selection. I rate all of Kerevi, Foketi, T Tua, Donaldson, H Stewart, I Henry and even O'Connor as all better centres than Paisami. Hunter does have the distinction of being THE worst player on field in every single Test he's played though. And it amazes me how many fans here rate him as Test standard. Are they all Queenslanders :laughing: