r/RugbyAustralia

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The Sydney Morning Herald

‘The money will come’: Why Pritchard brothers turned down PNG riches to stay in rugby

Jonathan Drennan - 8 min read

Before making the biggest decision of their young professional careers, Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard thought back to two important lessons taught to them by their parents, Daniel and Brenda: never leave a job half done, and always show loyalty to those who backed you from the start.

The brothers ultimately turned down the lucrative offer tabled by the PNG Chiefs to join the NRL expansion franchise for its inaugural season in 2028, opting instead to remain at their respective rugby clubs, with Treyvon signing an extension with the Reds until 2029 and Kadin remaining at the Brumbies until 2030. Both brothers also have the opportunity to play sevens in the 2028 Olympics.

“I think from a young age mum and dad have always instilled in us the value of finishing what you’ve started and never doing a half job,” Treyvon told this masthead.

“Our parents taught us to finish what we’ve started. Loyalty does come into play, too. It’s a big part of our everyday lives and something that our parents have made us follow, and it’s led into our everyday life.

“Also, coming through from being a 15-year-old in the Reds environment to moving up and training with the older boys while I was still in school with a couple of my mates.

“We all have come through at the same time and we have those connections, and I think a big thing with footy is being able to trust your teammates. If you already have something in place, there’s no real reason to kind of change that and switch it up.

“So I think the friendships and the connections that I already have are also a big part of my reasoning to stay in Australian rugby.”

The brothers spoke highly of their dealings with the Chiefs, but ultimately turned down the lucrative offer because they felt they have unfinished business in rugby together – and believe the money will follow them eventually.

“Obviously, it was exciting [to get the PNG offer] and yeah, we did meet with them, and I think that was probably both our first real kind interest from league. So we tested the waters and we were trying to see what it was all about,” Treyvon said.

“But I think Rugby Australia had a lot to offer as well. Like I said before, loyalty played a big part in where we are now and that helped us to a decision on where we wanted to be for the next couple of years...

“The money is going to come, it’s probably not the biggest worry at the moment. We need to focus on establishing ourselves in our respective teams.”

Kadin said that beyond immediate financial rewards, rugby will offer the brothers a chance to travel the world while playing the game they love.

“I love rugby union and the possibilities that it can bring with the worldwide game were a big thing for me to stay here,” Kadin said.

“To travel around the world, playing international teams – and even if it’s club level, you can go over somewhere like France. The possibilities of doing that sort of thing, you don’t get that in other sports.”

The Ella brothers brought an almost telepathic understanding to the Wallabies back line in the 1980s and the Pritchards believe they can eventually replicate that synergy as a centre partnership for the Australian Test team.

“It’s definitely a dream of ours to link up at some point,” Kadin said. “We’ve been separated for a reason: to build ourselves up in our own teams and build the groups around us.

“By the time we get to the Wallabies, we’ll be set to go, because we’ve got that brother intuition ... we want to play together in the centres, with Trayvon at inside centre.

“It’s definitely been a thought in my mind becoming that 12 and 13, and you probably don’t see it too often having brothers in the centres with that connection. We’re just almost interlinked and we know how each other plays from doing it so often in the backyard.”

Having spent endless hours playing together as kids, the two brothers came up against each other for the first time last season, when the Reds faced the Brumbies in Super Rugby. But Treyvon says it is when playing together on the same side that their close relationship brings an extra edge.

“We probably don’t have to speak as much as other players would; we can communicate with our body language and trust is a big factor in the connection that we have over other players,” Treyvon said.

At 22 years old, Kadin has always felt protective of Treyvon, who is three years younger than him.

Treyvon affectionately calls Kadin the family’s “test dummy”, the older brother who had to forge the way into professional rugby before passing on the lessons learned along the way. Though separated by distance, the brothers still speak regularly and operate as a unit when it comes to making decisions on their rugby future.

The brothers have been brought up to support one another, wary that there will always be others outside the family who want to tear one or another of them down.

“We know what each other can do and why should we hate on our family when you’ve got haters outside already,” Kadin said. “The tightness of our family, it’s just been brought through by our dad.

“We’re our own biggest supporters, we’ve got to support each other and build each other up so there’s no hate coming from within, and we have a support group here.

“There’s no way I’m going to hate on what my bro’s doing. I’m just going to hype him up to be the best player in the world. What’s the point of trying to pull him down when everybody else is trying to do that?”

Both brothers are currently recovering from injuries. Kadin is nursing a hamstring strain but hopes to return to play for the Brumbies in the Super Rugby AUS competition, while Treyvon is recovering from an operation after breaking his right leg ain a hip drop tackle while representing Australia Under 20s. Treyvon’s current recovery timeline is between 12 and 18 weeks.

Both brothers are focused on establishing their positions with their respective Super Rugby clubs ahead of a new season, but Treyvon is aware there will always be future possibilities, whether in rugby or the NRL.

“We’re definitely not closed off to playing overseas, and I think once we make a decision on that, I think we would probably look to play together, I don’t see why we wouldn’t,” Treyvon said. “I think living in a different country is hard enough, so I think being with the older bro would be awesome.

“I’m [also] not closed off to the NRL. Obviously all the noise that’s been happening recently probably sparked a bit of interest for everyone, but it’s definitely an option down the track. I’m with the Reds for three years and with Aussie rugby for three years, so whatever happens after that happen.”

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Steve Hansen reveals the major change behind Carter Gordon’s push to lock down Wallabies flyhalf spot

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has identified what could be the key to unlocking Carter Gordon’s full potential to lock down the Wallabies flyhalf spot at the World Cup.

Brendan Bradford

Brendan Bradford

@1bbradfo

3 min read

World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes relieving Carter Gordon of kicking duties could be the key to unlocking his full potential at next year’s Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Hansen and fellow former Test coach Ewen McKenzie both named Gordon as the man who should wear the number 10 jersey in Les Kiss’ side next year, with ‘Shag’ saying Gordon has shaken off his “imposter syndrome” following a rough first stint in Test match footy.

In a brutal introduction to the game’s biggest stage, Gordon lost seven of his first eight Tests in 2023, and played flyhalf in Australia’s crucial World Cup defeat to Fiji in France that same year.

A short stint in the NRL at the Titans, and a career-threatening injury followed, before his stunning return to the 15 man game and the Wallabies fold last year.

Gordon’s return comes after a string of playmakers cycled through the Wallabies’ starting side, with Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor, Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith all playing the crucial position.

Persistent niggling injuries seem to be the only thing stopping Gordon from claiming the number 10 jersey for good, and Hansen says being relieved of goal-kicking duties has been crucial

Gordon slotted three conversions in a heart-breaking two-point loss to Ireland in July.

He was spotted taking shots at goal during the warm-up in Townsville last weekend, but handed over kicking responsibilities to Ryan Lonergan once the match kicked off.

Sharpshooter Lonergan nailed five kicks at goal, before Ben Donaldson added another three after coming off the bench.

“Carter, when he first started – I was privileged enough to spend a week with the Australians at that World Cup – and you can tell that results weren’t coming the way they wanted them to,” Hansen said on the Rugby Unity Podcast this week.

“But the pressure of having to do the goal-kicking was just something else that was on his shoulders.

“I think that affected his play. There’s no doubt in my mind that it did.

“That’s probably why he left to go to the Titans. Just to get out and get away from it all.”

Lonergan’s accuracy off the tee could also see the Brumbies halfback get the nod ahead of Tate McDermott for Australia.

“He’s been a really consistent goalkicker for years now with the Brumbies,” McKenzie said. “I’m glad they gave him the kicking responsibilities, because it gives him some ownership in the team.

“Straight away he’s got that responsibility. He’s grabbed that and I think it’s helped him fit into the team.

“He’s been denied for a bunch of years, and they’ve tried everyone else but him.”

While forwards scored all eight of Australia’s tries in last weekend’s 56-17 demolition of Japan, Gordon was instrumental in directing traffic.

“There’s a lot more clarity about how they want to play, and Carter at 10 was good,” Hansen said. “He looks a lot more comfortable in himself.

“We’ve always known he’s got plenty of talent, but I think he’s had some mental demons. He seems to have those under control.

“That imposter syndrome you have when you’re first selected, saying, ‘Am I good enough to be here?’

“All those things, he’s moved to the side, and now it’s, ‘I am here and I’m gonna do the business’.

“He’s got the talent to do that.”

Still in the early days of Les Kiss’ tenure at the Wallabies, McKenzie said Gordon is the full package.

“The difference was Carter Gordon,” he said. “He was managing the game, and players were confident around him.

“I’m not just talking attack, he was there in defence too. He was in and over the ball.

“He’s a complete player, not just organising the attack, but he’s involved in the defensive game as well.”

Gordon’s next challenge starts on August 30 with back-to-back Tests in Argentina.

The Joe Schmidt-coached Wallabies split the pair of Tests they played against Los Pumas last year, including a nail-biting 28-26 defeat in Sydney.

“Argentina is a different kettle of fish,” McKenzie said. “They’re further up the ladder in terms of rankings.

“They can mix it with anyone, and they’ve got a diverse playing style.

“But from where we’re sitting right now, we’re heading in the right direction.”

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The Canberra Times

Wallabies coach Les Kiss hasn't been scared to make big calls in his first two Tests in charge.

Les Kiss will continue to test the limits of his Wallabies unit in Argentina, adamant its more flexible than even the players think.

A squad for the two-Test tour - their first game is in San Salvador on August 29 - is likely to be named on Wednesday.

It's understood Max Jorgensen, who limped off with sore ribs after a collision in the side's big Townsville win over Japan on Saturday, will be fit to travel.

Centres Len Ikitau (ankle) and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (hamstring) are also firming for returns, giving their coach more welcome headaches after casting the net wide in his first two games in charge.

Kiss left his seasoned props on the bench in Osaka then rested key trio Rob Valetini, Allan Alaalatoa and Josh Canham in the Japan rematch.

With Suaalii - whose best position has become a constant talking point -out he gave Isaac Henry a shot in the No.13.

He, alongside the likes of Lachlan Shaw, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Massimo De Lutiis that were given an opportunity, delivered.

Kiss also shifted No.8 Harry Wilson into the second row to finish the Townsville game, allowing pilferers Carlo Tizzano and Fraser McReight time in tandem.

Tom Hooper (shoulder) was also available to play in North Queensland but was unused, highlighting the smorgasbord of options available to Kiss against the world No.7 Pumas.

"We're more capable of mixing our team up than we think," he said.

The coach, with next year's World Cup in mind, has been bold at the selection table despite the must-win nature of his first two Tests in charge.

Just don't call his approach experimental.

"Are they experiments? I think there's a lot of good men in that team that know they can flex into different positions, so I like to think that it's more than just experimentation," he said.

"It's just having a real trust and faith that they can do this in different ways, and that we don't lose momentum about what we are and what we do.

"So I'm not rebutting the word, but I'm just saying I think it's more that we trust that we have a different way that we can use our resources. That's what I'm trying to make sure we understand."

The world No.8 side have won three-straight Tests, scoring more than 50 points in two of those victories, since a six-Test losing run either side of the calendar year.

Argentina beat Wales in between home Nations Championship losses to Scotland and England, while South Africa beat them 17-10 in Buenos Aires earlier this month.

Wins for Australia against the Pumas would likely seem them jump them into seventh on the world rankings and put pressure on Scotland and England, who sit two and three points respectively ahead of the Wallabies in sixth and fifth.

Meanwhile teenage star Treyvon Pritchard's contract extension has been inked, nearly three weeks after his retention - and subsequent rejection of NRL newcomers PNG Chiefs - was first reported.

The Queensland Reds back, already signed for next season, has committed to a further two and has the option of playing sevens for Australia at the 2028 Olympics.

It comes a day after older brother Kadin, also a Chiefs target, committed to the ACT Brumbies.

Which players could we see at the Tahs in 2027? It may be a bit late. The player drain from the Tahs happened because they didn't have a coach or direction, so who could Checkia realistically get? Given his experience in the past few years, you might think some off-contract NRL players might be convinced, but who, though? Marky Mark is just the type of guy Cheika would love to get, but he's already on a lucrative deal in Japan. Similarly, Jaques would have been a very Michael Cheika-esque player; however, he's also gone to the league. I'd love to see Langi Gleeson return, as he's hardly played since moving to Montpellier, but I'm unsure how long his contract is. Blyth and Bowen are off to Japan. Rilley and Talatina are off to the Brumbies.

Who else could Cheika bring in?

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The complexion of the Hospital Cup’s finals have been changed dramatically by one club’s raid of a Super Rugby outfit, raising questions over the role of the competition in Queensland.

Nic Darveniza

Nic Darveniza

@NicDarveniza

2 min read

Nearly four months ago Norths took to social media to congratulate the club’s 2025 rookie sensation Maika Tuitubou on his Super Rugby debut for the Fijian Drua.

Six weeks later, the 23-year-old made a triumphant return to Hugh Courtney Oval on Heritage Day with a try in a 54-17 win.

The problem was the 23-year-old was playing for Norths’ opposition.

On Saturday Wests’ top centre recruit will become the flashpoint of a debate raging across Queensland clubland over the development role of the Hospital Cup.

Wests’ recruitment of four Drua players - Joji Nasova, Isoa Tuwai, Meli Tuni and Tuitubou - have changed the complexion of finals, helping the Bulldogs knock out Bond and Easts in back-to-back weeks.

Tuitubou struck twice in the final 12 minutes against the Tigers to seal a 36-19 win.

Now his former teammates at Norths are next in line.

“On the surface it’s disappointing because we’d put a lot of time in Maika last year, of which he and the Drua were really grateful for,” Norths coach Dan Ritchie said.

“He was an uncontracted development player who came out lacking some experience but incredibly naturally talented. We’ve been pretty clear about being a development club, that’s what we hang our hat on, and he fit the mould.

“He landed on our doorstep as a relative unknown, in a sense, but you could see … he just need a bit more experience of a consistent level of rugby.”

Despite an injury-interrupted year Tuitubou showed enough at Norths to earn his first full-time contract with the Drua.

Upon his departure the young Fijian stressed to Ritchie that his first preference was to return to the Eagles’ nest next year.

“He said to me at the end he was really grateful for everything everyone at Norths did for him and that he would love to come back,” Ritchie said.

“He reiterated that he would come back, and the Drua said they were really pleased with Maika’s development at Norths and they would encourage him to play for us again in the future should the opportunity arise.

“We assumed that once Super Rugby finished we would be a good chance of seeing Maika again, but he ended up at Sylvan Road.”

Now, with Norths’ biggest game in decades just days away, Tuitubou stands in the way of the club’s grand final qualification.

“It was disappointing to learn that he’d be playing for another Brisbane club,” Ritchie said.

“At the end of the day he’s a young professional rugby player, his employers are the Drua and and he’s got to do what he’s asked to do.

“It would have been great to work with him again, definitely. I’m glad he’s doing well.”

I watched some of the 2003 and 2015 RWC games tonight. One thing that stood out to me A LOT was 1. The size of the wings which were very effective (lotte and Del) 2. The work rate, kicking ability, and importance of #12 (Elton) 3. The work rate of 7 in tackling and jackling which was WAY higher than our best 7s now (Waugh) 4. We had an added flanker in our prop (bill young).

To watch the old games versus our game now was honestly refreshing. Adding all these things takes pressure off the 10 too.

Currently in the squad available for selection:

Ikitau, Suali'i, Henry, Paisami, Daugunu, Flook.

Other capped Wallaby centres not currently in selection mix:

Kerevi, Perese, JOC, David Feliuai.