The Queensland Reds have received a major boost with hooker duo Matt Faessler and Josh Nasser re-signing with the club.
Faessler signs a one-year deal after his breakout season whilst Nasser has re-committed until the end of 2024.
23-year-old Faessler's re-signing caps off a remarkable year, having started without a full-time contract before impressing after a string of injuries to earn selection in the Australia A squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.
"Queensland is my home and I’m very grateful to have signed on for 2023," he said in a statement.
“Playing Super Rugby for the Reds was a dream come true and it’s a special group of players and staff at Ballymore at the moment.
“I’ve got a lot of good friends in the group who I’ve come through the pathway with, so it’s unreal to play alongside them in a maroon jersey.
“Getting picked for Australia A gives me the opportunity to continue to build and advance myself as a player and I’m excited to bring my learnings back to Queensland next season.”
Meanwhile, Nasser has built on his 2020 Super Rugby debut, earning his maiden Super Rugby start in round three.
The prop-turned-hooker featured in the first seven games of the 2022 season before injury derailed his season, eager to build on his 16 caps for the Reds.
“I’m really excited to have re-signed for the next two seasons," Nasser believes.
“I’ve come through the pathway with a lot of the players and coaches at Ballymore and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.
“I was happy with my form this year before my injury. I’ve still got a lot to learn playing hooker and I’m really motivated to get back to full fitness and take my game to the next level in 2023.”
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The excitement was shared by Reds GM of Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley, proud to see further Queensland pathway talent locked in for 2023 and beyond.
“Matt and Josh are another two Queensland pathway products with exciting futures," he added.
“There's great competition at hooker with Richie Asiata and George Blake also in our squad.
“Josh was outstanding this year – we felt that he was tracking for higher honours prior to his injury. Brad (Thorn) and Cameron (Lillicrap) have done a great job of converting him from tighthead to becoming our regular starting hooker this season.
“It’s a great reward for Matt. He’s been around the game in Queensland for a number of years, he got his opportunity this year as an injury replacement for Josh, now through his performances has earned his place in the 2023 squad.”
