Latest news with #JoshFlook
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Red's historic four-try half dents Drua on finals eve
A historic four-try first half from winger Lachie Anderson ensured no hiccups for the Queensland Reds against the Fijian Drua in a soggy Super Rugby Pacific finals warm-up. Anderson scored three times inside 10 minutes while the Drua were a man down in the first half, then added another before the main break to set a new mark for the Reds in a 52-5 Saturday win. He's only the third Australian to score four tries in a Super Rugby game, after Joe Roff in 1996 and Drew Mitchell in 2010. The man is UNSTOPPABLE 🥵What a performance from Lachie Anderson!#SuperRugbyPacific #REDvDRU — Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 31, 2025 Most were handed to Anderson on a platter, especially a neat cross-field kick from clinical flyhalf Tom Lynagh for his fourth. But the haul was just reward for a fine season from the former rugby sevens and Melbourne Rebels recruit. Anderson did his best to keep his starting berth for Friday's sudden death quarterfinal in Christchurch against the Crusaders, a match-up that had already been locked in before the fifth-placed Reds took the field on Saturday. Test centre Josh Flook also scored in his confident return from a long-term hamstring injury, but the red-hot Filipo Daugunu will surely start in the centres or on a wing next week after coming off the bench on Saturday night and scoring a late try. Joe Brial completed the rout with a try on the full-time siren. There were concerns for Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson though, who returned from a fractured arm last week but left the field later in the second half on Saturday seemingly in pain. The Suva-based Drua won four games on home soil, including their clash with the Reds, but weren't able to muster a victory on the road as they finished second-last in their fourth campaign. They had themselves to blame after an encouraging start, with Iosefa Masi yellow carded for up-ending Jock Campbell in the ruck and then Etonia Waqa binned in the second half for taking out Tim Ryan's legs in the air. Haereiti Hetet scored their sole try while hooker Tevita Ikanivere, in his 50th game for the fledgling Drua, was denied from a trick play from the lineout. He charged through two would-be tacklers only to be sent into touch by a flying Lynagh, who again showed defensive grit to go with offensive flourish.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Super Rugby: Flook to return for Reds against Fijian Drua
Wallabies centre Josh Flook will make a timely return from injury on Saturday night for a Queensland Reds side desperate to find winning form ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific finals series. The Reds will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat when they meet Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium in the final round of the regular season. Regardless of the result, the fifth-placed Queenslanders will finish in the top-six due a massive for and against advantage of 96 over sixth-placed Moana Pasifika. However, depending on the result of Saturday's earlier game between the Hurricanes and Pasifika, a Reds win could left them to fourth spot, which could be crucial after the first week of the finals, with a 'lucky loser' to progress to the week two of the playoffs. That aside, the Queenslanders are intent on returning to winning ways this weekend, with Flook's sooner-than-expected inclusion for the first time since injuring his hamstring on March 1 against Western Force a huge boost. 'I'll just be loving every moment out there,' he said. 'I've rehabbed it really well and can't speak highly enough of the rehab staff at the Reds. I'm back three or four weeks earlier than we were initially thinking. 'I ticked some boxes speed-wise last week and progressed from there. 'I was devastated when the injury first happened. It's been a long process to get back but a good one. 'I've loved watching the boys this year. It's been difficult, but they've played some really good footy.' Reds coach Les Kiss said Flook added a 'calm and controlled voice in that crucial outside centre channel'. 'We welcome back 'Flooky' and his partnership in the centres with Hunter (Paisami),' Kiss said. 'It has always been a strong point for us,' Kiss said. Flook replaces Dre Pakeho, while winger Tim Ryan has been recalled to the starting line-up at the expense of Filipo Daugunu, who drops to the bench. Meanwhile, Wallabies forward Seru Uru has signed a new deal with the Reds for the 2026 campaign. 'I'm really happy to be sticking around at the Reds,' said Uru, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury. 'I started my professional rugby journey here and I've always called Ballymore home. 'It's a such a special moment for me when I come into Ballymore each day and see my name on the locker in our dressing room. 'I see the names there of players I have great friendships with now, and players who have moved on but are still important.' Reds: Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell. Bench: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu. Read related topics: Brisbane
The Age
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
‘It's a big part of my life': Injury-plagued Wallaby confirms his future
Injury-plagued Wallabies centre Josh Flook has cast aside a tumultuous year on the field to ink a contract extension with the Queensland Reds, as he fixes his gaze on a last-ditch bid for the British and Irish Lions series. The 23-year-old made his debut in the gold jumper last year against Wales, managing four caps in 2024 as he sought to establish himself in the nation's No.13 jersey. Those plans appeared to be gathering steam in the initial rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Flook scoring a double in the Reds' second clash of the campaign against the Western Force, before succumbing to a hamstring injury. Flook has not played since that encounter, but is in line to make his return against the Fijian Drua on Saturday as Queensland seek to cement their place in the top six on the eve of finals. 'The boys sitting next to me on the sidelines are probably happiest to see me back earlier than expected because I do go a bit hardcore with my vocal support during games,' Flook said. Loading 'This Saturday night is the last regular season home game for the Reds at Suncorp Stadium. It's going to be a huge last round with so many possibilities still in play for the finals. 'Everyone at the Reds will be up for the game, and we know the Fijian Drua will be trying to ruin the party when they come to Brisbane.' Flook's extension until the end of 2026, and hopeful timely return – weeks ahead of schedule – leaves him with a small window to convince Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt he warrants inclusion in the squad to take on the Lions this year.
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘It's a big part of my life': Injury-plagued Wallaby confirms his future
Injury-plagued Wallabies centre Josh Flook has cast aside a tumultuous year on the field to ink a contract extension with the Queensland Reds, as he fixes his gaze on a last-ditch bid for the British and Irish Lions series. The 23-year-old made his debut in the gold jumper last year against Wales, managing four caps in 2024 as he sought to establish himself in the nation's No.13 jersey. Those plans appeared to be gathering steam in the initial rounds of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Flook scoring a double in the Reds' second clash of the campaign against the Western Force, before succumbing to a hamstring injury. Flook has not played since that encounter, but is in line to make his return against the Fijian Drua on Saturday as Queensland seek to cement their place in the top six on the eve of finals. 'The boys sitting next to me on the sidelines are probably happiest to see me back earlier than expected because I do go a bit hardcore with my vocal support during games,' Flook said. Loading 'This Saturday night is the last regular season home game for the Reds at Suncorp Stadium. It's going to be a huge last round with so many possibilities still in play for the finals. 'Everyone at the Reds will be up for the game, and we know the Fijian Drua will be trying to ruin the party when they come to Brisbane.' Flook's extension until the end of 2026, and hopeful timely return – weeks ahead of schedule – leaves him with a small window to convince Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt he warrants inclusion in the squad to take on the Lions this year.
The Advertiser
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Reds seek 'focus' to prove early Super form no Flook
Josh Flook's pending return and Harry Wilson's strong injury comeback have sweetened the taste of another gutting Queensland Reds loss. The hosts were beaten 31-27 by the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, some moments of brilliance not enough in a 10th-straight defeat to the Wellington side since 2013. It meant they jumped the Reds into fourth spot with one Super Rugby Pacific round remaining, Les Kiss's side to host Fijian Drua in Brisbane next Saturday. They could still sneak back into fourth place with a win and Hurricanes loss next week, with that spot crucial in a new six-team finals format that means the highest-ranked loser still progresses to the final four. Incumbent Wallabies captain Wilson played 80 minutes in his return from a fractured arm, charging hard and defending stoutly in positive signs ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour that begins next month. The Reds have slid from first spot, with a 2-4 record since Wilson's injury in a loss to the Chiefs. They'll face either the Crusaders, ACT Brumbies or the Chiefs in the first week of finals, depending on final-round results. Test centre Flook should feature, the 23-year-old potentially back to face the Drua next week after a hamstring injury suffered in the third round. Influential backrower Seru Uru could join him, but Matt Faessler and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto won't despite the pair running well in their rehabilitation sessions last week. Kiss also confirmed fellow backrower and one-time Test captain Liam Wright had surgery on his troublesome shoulder that's again plagued him this season. Flook's blend of toughness and silky skill would be a timely addition but he could find it hard to crack the side, given the emergence of Dre Pakeho alongside Hunter Paisami - and the versatile Filipo Daugunu - this season. The Reds haven't beaten any of the sides in the top four this year, captain Tate McDermott again ruing costly errors with the game on the line on Friday. Knock-ons from Wilson and Paisami when they led by one point with 15 minutes remaining followed two late Hurricanes tries in the first half that blew the game open. Friday's defeat followed a 10-point loss to the Brumbies in which the Reds dominated field position and possession but couldn't find the knock-out blow. "Heaps of positives but there is a 10-minute period that's plagued us two weeks in a row now, just before halftime that really hurts us," McDermott said. "It comes down to a lack of focus. It's not one thing. Missing tackles, out of position in the back-field, drop balls .... that's where the frustration comes from. "We showed a huge amount of fight but ... we couldn't ice it and to their credit they got the ball back and they scored." Josh Flook's pending return and Harry Wilson's strong injury comeback have sweetened the taste of another gutting Queensland Reds loss. The hosts were beaten 31-27 by the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, some moments of brilliance not enough in a 10th-straight defeat to the Wellington side since 2013. It meant they jumped the Reds into fourth spot with one Super Rugby Pacific round remaining, Les Kiss's side to host Fijian Drua in Brisbane next Saturday. They could still sneak back into fourth place with a win and Hurricanes loss next week, with that spot crucial in a new six-team finals format that means the highest-ranked loser still progresses to the final four. Incumbent Wallabies captain Wilson played 80 minutes in his return from a fractured arm, charging hard and defending stoutly in positive signs ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour that begins next month. The Reds have slid from first spot, with a 2-4 record since Wilson's injury in a loss to the Chiefs. They'll face either the Crusaders, ACT Brumbies or the Chiefs in the first week of finals, depending on final-round results. Test centre Flook should feature, the 23-year-old potentially back to face the Drua next week after a hamstring injury suffered in the third round. Influential backrower Seru Uru could join him, but Matt Faessler and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto won't despite the pair running well in their rehabilitation sessions last week. Kiss also confirmed fellow backrower and one-time Test captain Liam Wright had surgery on his troublesome shoulder that's again plagued him this season. Flook's blend of toughness and silky skill would be a timely addition but he could find it hard to crack the side, given the emergence of Dre Pakeho alongside Hunter Paisami - and the versatile Filipo Daugunu - this season. The Reds haven't beaten any of the sides in the top four this year, captain Tate McDermott again ruing costly errors with the game on the line on Friday. Knock-ons from Wilson and Paisami when they led by one point with 15 minutes remaining followed two late Hurricanes tries in the first half that blew the game open. Friday's defeat followed a 10-point loss to the Brumbies in which the Reds dominated field position and possession but couldn't find the knock-out blow. "Heaps of positives but there is a 10-minute period that's plagued us two weeks in a row now, just before halftime that really hurts us," McDermott said. "It comes down to a lack of focus. It's not one thing. Missing tackles, out of position in the back-field, drop balls .... that's where the frustration comes from. "We showed a huge amount of fight but ... we couldn't ice it and to their credit they got the ball back and they scored." Josh Flook's pending return and Harry Wilson's strong injury comeback have sweetened the taste of another gutting Queensland Reds loss. The hosts were beaten 31-27 by the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, some moments of brilliance not enough in a 10th-straight defeat to the Wellington side since 2013. It meant they jumped the Reds into fourth spot with one Super Rugby Pacific round remaining, Les Kiss's side to host Fijian Drua in Brisbane next Saturday. They could still sneak back into fourth place with a win and Hurricanes loss next week, with that spot crucial in a new six-team finals format that means the highest-ranked loser still progresses to the final four. Incumbent Wallabies captain Wilson played 80 minutes in his return from a fractured arm, charging hard and defending stoutly in positive signs ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour that begins next month. The Reds have slid from first spot, with a 2-4 record since Wilson's injury in a loss to the Chiefs. They'll face either the Crusaders, ACT Brumbies or the Chiefs in the first week of finals, depending on final-round results. Test centre Flook should feature, the 23-year-old potentially back to face the Drua next week after a hamstring injury suffered in the third round. Influential backrower Seru Uru could join him, but Matt Faessler and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto won't despite the pair running well in their rehabilitation sessions last week. Kiss also confirmed fellow backrower and one-time Test captain Liam Wright had surgery on his troublesome shoulder that's again plagued him this season. Flook's blend of toughness and silky skill would be a timely addition but he could find it hard to crack the side, given the emergence of Dre Pakeho alongside Hunter Paisami - and the versatile Filipo Daugunu - this season. The Reds haven't beaten any of the sides in the top four this year, captain Tate McDermott again ruing costly errors with the game on the line on Friday. Knock-ons from Wilson and Paisami when they led by one point with 15 minutes remaining followed two late Hurricanes tries in the first half that blew the game open. Friday's defeat followed a 10-point loss to the Brumbies in which the Reds dominated field position and possession but couldn't find the knock-out blow. "Heaps of positives but there is a 10-minute period that's plagued us two weeks in a row now, just before halftime that really hurts us," McDermott said. "It comes down to a lack of focus. It's not one thing. Missing tackles, out of position in the back-field, drop balls .... that's where the frustration comes from. "We showed a huge amount of fight but ... we couldn't ice it and to their credit they got the ball back and they scored."
