Reds' Wilson ready to work for Wallabies goal

Thu, Apr 27, 2023, 5:45 AM
Murray Wenzel - AAP
by Murray Wenzel - AAP

Harry Wilson insists the message is crystal clear after agreeing to remain in Australian rugby and reach his potential in a Wallabies jersey.

Wilson could only laugh and begrudgingly agree when he read Eddie Jones' backhanded compliment that accompanied confirmation of his re-signing.

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The Queensland Reds backrower knows he hasn't reached his ceiling, but has chosen to recommit to Australian rugby and fulfil his potential in a Wallabies jersey.

Wilson had a decent back-up plan in the form of French rugby, but it's understood Rugby Australia's improved offer was enough to persuade him to remain at Ballymore for another two years.

"I had a couple of offers out there and have had a couple of up and down years in Australian rugby," the 22-year-old said.

"I had to consider both options but ... I love playing for the Queensland Reds and would love to get back into that gold jersey."

The back-rower burst onto the scene in 2020 when Dave Rennie took over as Australia coach, but quickly lost ground in a crowded field of back-rowers.

Rennie's replacement Jones was impressed with his early-season form but, after Wilson had agreed to terms on a new deal, left him out of his first training squad that gathered last week.

Injuries meant he still got a late call-up and in a RA press release trumpeting the deal, Jones said "Harry needs to work harder to fulfil his talent".

"I'm sure he will make the right choice and we are backing him 100 per cent," the coach went on.

Wilson said Jones had told him something similar during the camp last week.

"I do feel I'm valued; they believe I'm a good footballer and it's for me to show them week in, week out," he said.

"It was awesome; he's a full-on person and I've never been so switched on in meetings and making sure I was ready for every question coming my way.

"It's (the feedback) extremely clear for me and it's stuff I feel I can do.

"The ball's in my court if I want to pull my finger out ... I know he thinks I can be much better than what I am now."

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