Samu Kerevi inks new Reds deal

Editor

Reds centre Samu Kerevi has put pen to paper to ensure he remains at Ballymore after signing a new one-year deal.

It further strengthens Queensland’s squad for 2019 following Izack Rodda, JP Smith, Filipo Daugunu, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Aidan Toua and Alex Mafi all re-signing with the Reds last week.

In his fifth season with the side, Kerevi played his 50th match for the Reds in Round Eight this year and continues to develop as one of Super Rugby’s most potent attacking threats.

Kerevi has scored 105 points (21 tries) in 58 matches for the Reds and has crossed for five tries during his 21-Test career with the Wallabies.

The 24 year-old said there’s no place he’d rather be than at Ballymore.

“I’m excited to stay in Queensland for one more year, my family was a big factor in staying,” said Kerevi.

“The young boys coming through the club is what keeps me at the Reds. I see the potential – not long ago I was in their shoes so to have one more year with them will be special.

“Brad (Thorn) has been awesome in changing the culture and mentality of not just the team but also the organisation. In saying that, in any successful team there’s always room for improvement.

“The World Cup is next year and that’s pretty special for any Rugby player. It’s the biggest stage in World Rugby and that was another driver for me.

“First thing is first and that’s getting back to fitness and playing well for my club and hopefully being picked to represent Australia through the year and into the World Cup.

“Right now my goal is to hopefully make the back-end of the NRC, or even the Club 7’s Series but that all depends on how my rehab goes,” Kerevi added.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said he was pleased Kerevi will remain in Queensland.

“He has developed into a leader amongst the group and is highly respected within our squad,” said Thorn.

“Samu has made a home for himself here at Ballymore and has developed through the Queensland Pathway into the player he is today.

“He continues to work hard on his game and I am excited for what the future holds for him at the Queensland Reds,” Thorn added.