Hunter Paisami: Wallabies centre signs new Reds and Rugby Australia contract
Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union have announced that star centre Hunter Paisami has agreed terms on a new contract until the end of the 2024 season.
The 25-year-old made his debut for the Reds and Australia in 2020 and has made a rapid rise in the international arena, making 24 Test appearances for the Wallabies so far.
Recovering from knee injury
He is currently recovering from an MCL injury he suffered during this year’s Round Five Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Melbourne Rebels and hopes to return to action before the end of the season.
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The hard-tackling centre is renowned as one of the biggest hitters in the game, and is a constant threat for teams who look to launch attacks.
Born in Samoa, Paisami made his mark with the Reds in 2020 after impressing in Queensland’s club rugby competition and for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship.
He went on to play 15 of the Reds‘ 17 matches that year, before making his Test debut for Australia in a 16-16 draw against the All Blacks in Wellington later that year.
He featured in all three Tests in the Wallabies’ home series win over France in 2021 and played in nine of the Wallabies’ 14 Tests in 2022.
He said: “I’m grateful to have re-signed with the Reds and Australian Rugby – Queensland is home for me and my young family.
“It’s a promising time with the opening of the new NRTC and I’m looking forward to using that facility. We have a lot to achieve on the field next season and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“It’s a big year for the Wallabies with the World Cup in France. Hopefully I get the opportunity to be a part of it, but for now I am focused on rehab and getting myself back on the field for the Reds.”
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones is delighted that Paisami has signed a new contract and is keen for him to return to action.
“Hunter is a young player that is still learning and growing,” he said. “He can play 12 or 13, and has the potential to be a really valuable centre in the years ahead – I hope he can get back from his injury and work on continuing that trajectory.”
Now firmly entrenched in the Reds backline, with six tries in 40 games for the Brisbane-based outfit, Paisami joins the likes of Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru and Matt Faessler in re-committing to the Reds over the past two months.
Recommitment is great news for the Reds
Queensland Rugby general manager of professional rugby Sam Cordingley said: “It’s great to have another of our Wallabies recommit beyond the Rugby World Cup.
“Hunter has had a rapid rise since moving up from Melbourne in 2019.
“He’ll be another player to bring up 50 games for Queensland in 2024, and we hope to see him build on his 24 Test matches this year and next.”