A “controversial” call may have stalled Hunter Paisami’s season, but Reds coach Les Kiss believes it has opened the floodgates for his star centre to produce his best football.
The Wallabies’ sensation received a two-game suspension – downgraded from three upon completing World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention program – following an incident in Queensland’s round-two triumph of Moana Pasifika.
At the time, Kiss strongly considered fighting the punishment, believing the collision, which was not penalised, warranted a dangerous tackle charge.
Hunter Paisami returned from suspension a rejuvenated figure for the Reds.Credit: Getty Images
But as outside centre Josh Flook was joined by fullback Jock Campbell and Filipo Daugunu in the casualty ward, Kiss needed Paisami to stand up upon his comeback.
“He had an incident that was quite controversial, it put him out of the game, and he’d started the season really well. But then it just … refocused him really well,” Kiss said ahead of his side’s Anzac Day battle with the Blues.
“Once we had a few injuries like Flooky and Jock Campbell, he had to step up to the plate, and the way he has mentored young Dre Pakeho has been impressive on a lot of fronts.
“Some people, when they take on that extra responsibility, something else comes out of them.
“I think we’re seeing a real mature, real focused Hunter. He’s always been good for us, he’s been impressive all the way, but there are these other layers of his leadership, in his quiet way, coming through that are necessary for us to cover those midfield injuries.”
After injury battles and a lack of game time contributed to his omission from Australia’s 2023 World Cup squad, Paisami has hit his prime under Kiss since the start of last season, regaining his Test jumper last year before suffering a calf injury on the eve of the Spring Tour.
With Kiss encouraging his players to trust their instincts and skill sets, the 26-year-old has blossomed into a three-pronged kicking, passing and running threat, making him a strong contender to line up against the British and Irish Lions.
Kiss has been heavily linked to the Wallabies’ coaching job once Joe Schmidt vacates the role this year, with Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh confirming it is open to exploring the prospect of Kiss juggling Super Rugby and national duties.
“If it’s Les, we all know what he can do and what he’s changed here … so [the Wallabies coaching role] would be awesome for him.”
Hunter Paisami
“That’s something we can’t control, we don’t know what’s happening in the background there,” Paisami said. “We haven’t heard much.
“Hopefully [Kiss can keep doing his job here], or someone similar to Les can come in and take over here at the Reds. But we know if Les does leave us, he wouldn’t leave us like that, he would find someone to take over what him and his crew have been doing.”
While a decision on the next Test coach has dragged on, Kiss said it hadn’t distracted the Queensland group, despite consecutive losses heading into last week’s bye.
“It’s an impressive group of people in the building here, and in the locker room. They’ve just said, ‘let’s continue to work on what we’re about’,” Kiss said.
“I’m sleeping well, I’ve got no issues – it’ll take its course, and those timelines aren’t mine. I’m absolutely happy with how it’s going.
“My full commitment is in this building behind me, and into the 80 minutes on the rectangle on the weekend – that hasn’t wavered.”
Queensland Reds squad vs Blues
1. Sef Fa’agase; 2. Richie Asiata; 3. Zane Nonggorr; 4. Josh Canham; 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; 6. Seru Uru; 7. Fraser McReight (vc); 8. Joe Brial; 9. Tate McDermott (c); 10. Tom Lynagh; 11. Tim Ryan; 12. Hunter Paisami; 13. Dre Pakeho; 14. Lachie Anderson; 15. Jock Campbell
Reserves: 16. George Blake; 17. Alex Hodgman; 18. Massimo De Lutiis; 19. Angus Blyth; 20. Ryan Smith; 21. John Bryant; 22. Kalani Thomas; 23. Heremaia Murray
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