Just when Australia needed a player who would grab pundits’ attention to emerge, Tim Ryan showed off his potential to become one of Super Rugby’s most prolific try-scorers.
But Wallabies star Tate McDermott has warned against pushing the young flyer to the point he loses his point of difference.
Ryan landed on the radar of national coach Joe Schmidt when he scored nine tries – including two hat-tricks – in six starting appearances for the Queensland Reds.
Tim Ryan became the first Queensland Reds player to score two hat-tricks.Credit: Getty
The Brisbane product said Schmidt informed him he was close to a debut, but needed to develop physically. What followed were defensively gruelling stints at outside centre when Queensland challenged Wales and Tonga.
But McDermott said the decision over whether Ryan needed to bulk up rested with the man himself.
The Reds co-captain declared while there was a wealth of wing options for this year’s British and Irish Lions tour, the club had the resources to take him “to the next level”.
“They don’t call him the Junkyard Dog for no reason.
“He’s bloody tough. He’s fit, he’s quick, and that’s what we need from our wingers – they do a hell of a lot of work in the back field, they cover a lot and run high metres, and they’re always encouraged to get off their wing,” McDermott said.
“If Timmy can consistently do that, and also add his strengths to our game plan, then that goes a long way to him forcing a spot.”
Tate McDermott on Tim Ryan
“I think it’d just be a feel thing for Timmy.
“I don’t think he needs to toughen up at all because that’s probably his main strength.
“If some coaches think he needs to bulk up, then he’s got to make the decision for himself what he believes he needs.
“He’s performing bloody well at his weight, and I’ve seen people being told to bulk up, and they do lose what their point of difference is.
“It’s always tough for a young guy, he’s been told different things from different people, but he’s just got to see and really feel what he needs to take him to that next level.”
Ryan, signed with the Reds until 2026, joins a group of rising stars the Wallabies can build their future around, as Rugby Australia determines its retention priorities with a host of national stars coming off contract this year.
Reds recruit Filipo Daugunu believed Ryan was destined for a Test debut this year.
The 11-Test veteran “knew he would be good” when he first saw Ryan, and while he believed more size on his body would aid his cause, he possessed the physicality to defy his 85kg frame.
“He’s a freak. He’s got speed – I wish I had that speed,” Daugunu said.
“He’s everywhere. Every time I see him at training he’s on my side, and then he’s back to the other side, and I’m like ‘oh s—’.
“He can do things big boys do. If he wants to carry for the forwards, he can do it.
“If he gets a little bit of size, I think he’ll be in the Wallabies this year.”
