The Queensland Reds have confirmed the re-signing of Ryan Smith and Josh Flook for the 2025 season.
Both players have become key pillars of their squad, recently reaching their 50th Super Rugby caps during the season.
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“Both Josh and Ryan are 50-cappers. It’s fantastic news they have re-committed to Queensland,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“The qualities we see in ’Flooky’ come through on and off the field. He has excellent timing in attack and defence and it’s obvious how much the Reds jersey means to him in every match he plays.
“’Ryano’ has put in such a shift for us this season. He’s been impressive in the tight and he’s a well-liked character in the locker room where he leads the team song in fabulous fashion.
“Both have certainly put themselves in the eyes of the selectors for higher honours.”
22-year-old Flook has emerged as one of the Reds' best in a world-class backline over the past 12 months, making his Australia A debut against Tonga in July.
Flook was called into the Wallabies squad in 2023 and has backed up his breakout season with six tries in 2024.
As for Smith, the lock has played all 14 games in 2024 as he continues his incremental rise through the system after being picked in the 2020 squad whilst working full-time as an air-conditioning unit mechanic.
“I’m excited to stay here for another year. It is a no-brainer,” Flook said. “It’s a really good environment and the fresh faces in this season have made a difference.
“There are very good vibes around this quarter-final. Part of that is everyone buying into what we are doing and our game style over the past few months. Les and the coaches talk a lot about being useful and staying that way for the team throughout a game.”
“I’m really excited about what’s ahead,” Smith said. “My family is in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast so the call to stay with the Reds was pretty easy at the end of the day. “The team has done some pretty cool stuff in a short time and what we are learning under the new coaches is a big part of that.
“I definitely feel like I’ve advanced my game around the physicality, being far more consistent and lowering the number of penalties I give away.”
