They fell off a cliff in 2024, however the Queensland Reds look set for an enormous turnaround after confirming a star-studded aspect for the 2025 season.
After making the ultimate in 2023, the Reds had a dramatic slide in 2024 as they completed on the underside of the Tremendous Rugby Ladies’s standings.
The Reds’ one win from 5 begins noticed Grant Anderson depart, with long-time membership coach Andrew Fraser stepping in as head coach for the primary time.
His arrival and the tremendous work from excessive efficiency supervisor Nico Andrade coincides with the arrivals of Wallaroos trio Eva Karpani, Layne Morgan and Tiarah Minns.
After taking over New Zealand in Brisbane final yr, Eva Karpani will make Ballymore residence in 2025. (Photograph by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Photographs)
Australian sevens stars Maddison Levi, sister Teagan, Charlotte Caslick, Kahli Henwood and Bella Nasser can even be out there for a few matches because the quintet makes late bids to attempt to persuade Wallaroos coach Jo Yapp of their value forward of August’s World Cup in England.
There’s additionally a few younger weapons within the squad, with centre Shalom Sauaso, final yr’s breakout rookie, and prop Sky-Yvette Faimalie included.
There are 13 Wallaroos within the 37-person squad, whereas there are 12 new faces but to drag on the maroon Queensland jersey.
“We’re delighted to have the ability to unveil the perfect 37 gamers now we have in Queensland and all of the attributes they symbolize,” Fraser stated.
“To have 13 gamers within the squad who’ve represented the Wallaroos reveals the high-end expertise of the group and a degree of confidence to deal with the tight conditions a season throws at you.
“We’re already seeing how having such position fashions are an actual optimistic for the youthful and newer women within the squad.
“It’s thrilling occasions for Queensland ladies’s rugby to see a squad of this calibre.”
Morgan’s addition comes after The Roar revealed on Sunday that the thrilling 25-year-old halfback was headed north throughout the border.
She is going to inject loads of tempo into the squad and assist release discarded Wallaby Carys Dallinger, who paid the worth for her aspect’s struggles in 2024.
“I’m actually excited and see this transfer to the Reds as an amazing problem to tackle,” Morgan stated.
“There have been some nerves round leaving one thing I do know however nothing ever good comes from simple choices.
“I’ve lastly completed my research (an training diploma with a maths main) which has given me extra flexibility.
“This might be actually good for my development as a participant and I’ve already seen, in two classes, how onerous the Reds women are working and a extremely good workforce surroundings.”
Layne Morgan has switched from the Waratahs to the Reds in 2025. Photograph: Queensland Reds
Her arrival can even enable the Reds to have a one-two punch at halfback, with 22-year-old Nat Wright making her Check debut final yr.
Whether or not or not Wright stays on the Reds long-term nevertheless stays to be seen, with some, together with Yapp, pushing for her to modify states to make sure she performs as a lot as attainable. For now, the Reds are digging their heels in, believing Wright and Morgan can mix efficiently.
Whereas the Reds have a star-studded backline that now rivals the Waratahs’, a lot will rely on how Karpani settles in at Ballymore alongside hard-working lock Tiarah Minns with the aspect’s tight-five nonetheless a piece in progress.
The Reds open their Tremendous Rugby season in opposition to the Drua in Lautoka on March 8, earlier than internet hosting the Waratahs on March 16.
QUEENSLAND REDS WOMEN’S 2025 SQUAD
Ariana Hira – Bond College
Bella Nasser – Australian Sevens
Bree-Anna Browne – Brothers
Briana Dascombe – Wests
Caitlin Urwin – College of Queensland
Carola Kreis – Easts
Carys Dallinger – Easts
Charli Jacoby – TBC
Charlotte Caslick – Australian Sevens
Cristo Taufua – TBC
Deni Ross – Brothers
Dillyn Blackburn – Wests
Eva Karpani – Bond College
Faythe Manera – Bond College
Ivania Wong – Sunnybank
Jemma Bemrose – Bond College
Jiowana Sauto – TBC
Kahli Henwood – Australian Sevens
Layne Morgan – TBC
Lori Cramer – College of Queensland
Maddison Levi – Australian Sevens
Maraea Tupai – Wests
Melanie Wilks – Bond
Michelle Curry – Wests
Natalie Wright – College of Queensland
Piper Flynn – Easts
Renae Nona – Sunnybank
Sarah Riordan – Brothers
Sarah Dougherty – GPS
Shalom Sauaso – TBC
Sky-Yvette Faimalie – Sunnybank
Teagan Levi – Australian Sevens
Tiarah Minns – College of Queensland
Tiarna Molloy – Easts
Vineta Teutau – TBC
Zoe Hanna – Bond College
Zophronia Setu – College of Queensland
Head coach: Andrew Fraser
Assistant coaches: Damon Advantage, Simon Craig, Eddie Aholelei
