Former Wallabies stars Suliasi Vunivalu and Jordan Petaia have not been named among the Queensland Reds’ squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with both men set to seek new opportunities.
It was believed Vunivalu, the former Melbourne Storm premiership winner and seven-time Australian Test star, had been sizing up a future in France with a top club, while Petaia had reportedly been exploring chances in the NRL and through the NFL’s International Player Pathways.
Despite featuring prominently in the ill-fated Eddie Jones era, Vunivalu was relegated to the Reds bench in the most recent campaign, unseated by breakout winger Tim Ryan and Mac Grealy – who has departed for the Western Force.
Suli Vunivalu debuted against England.Credit: AP
The 28-year-old veteran of 39 Super Rugby caps, which included 18 tries, was not chosen in either the Wallabies or Australia A squads for the Spring Tour, and the additions of former Melbourne Rebels Filipo Daugunu and Lachlan Anderson was set to make his path back to the starting line-up all the more challenging.
Fellow 2024 Rebels Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Mason Gordon, Matt Gibbon and Josh Canham have also landed at Ballymore.
The unveiled Queensland squad will be without veteran five-eighth James O’Connor. However, the club has ushered in a new era, with several men now pushing to earn maiden Reds appearances.
Among them are Northern Sydney recruit Jude Gibbs, and Australia Under-20s Trevor King (prop) and Will McCulloch (fullback-wing).
Gibbs’ rise to the Super Rugby ranks has been the culmination of two Shute Shield grand final defeats.
“It’s what I’ve been working for over a long time. I’m really grateful for all I’ve learnt at Northern Suburbs and the experience of two grand finals,” Gibbs said.
“Those losses put in perspective just how important the big moments are in big games, and how vital a strong start is in being able to control emotion and the external pressure.
“It’s going to be an awesome experience to continue to develop at the Reds.”
For McCulloch, his rise has been courtesy of an impressive stint on the youth international circuit, catching the eye of Reds’ coaching staff preseason before the squad embarked on their recent triumphant tour to Japan.
New Queensland Reds signings Will McCulloch and Filipo Daugunu.
The 20-year-old Norths, and Reds Academy, product scored twice for Australia against the New Zealand under-20s in May, and will provide coverage for regular fullbacks Jock Campbell and Gordon.
“This is an unreal opportunity and there’s a lot of motivation in seeing how recent Academy players like Dre Pakeho and John Bryant have taken the next step,” McCulloch said.
“I did a little preseason with the Reds before their recent tour to Japan to know the hard work and detail ahead, which I’m looking forward to.
“The Reds play a quick style, as well as an exciting one, so you want to be involved.”
Queensland Reds 2025 squad
Lachie Anderson, George Blake, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Jock Campbell, Josh Canham, Max Craig, Filipo Daugunu, Massimo de Lutiis, Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Jude Gibbs, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Isaac Henry, Alex Hodgman, Trevor King, Tom Lynagh, Will McCulloch, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Tim Ryan, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Kalani Thomas, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Connor Vest, Louis Werchon, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
