Rob Simmons
James Slipper
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has locked away 2 key members of the Wallabies’ forward pack – re-signing the experienced Reds duo James Slipper and Rob Simmons.
The signatures of the 2 talented tight forwards are significant for the future of Australia.
Slipper agreed to a new 3-year deal, through until the end of 2018, while Simmons has also inked a multi-year extension – through until the end of 2017.
Despite his young age of just 25, Slipper and Simmons, 27, have already accumulated a combined 113 Tests between them for Australia.
Both also hold leadership positions at either the Wallabies or Reds.
Slipper and Simmons, who were announced earlier this year as the captain and vice-captain of the Reds, grew up playing together on the Gold Coast at the Southport School.
Slipper was also named Wallaby vice-captain in 2014 and featured in all 14 of Australia’s matches last season.
They have progressed through age grade, schoolboys, Super Rugby and Test rugby together.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said it was pleasing to see the pair sign long-term deals.
“These are 2 really significant contract extensions for Australia,” Cheika said.
“You can never have enough talented tight forwards, and James and Rob have already shown an ability to play their positions at a world class level,” the coach added.
“Their re-signings give me a lot of confidence moving forward with the Wallaby program, and I am currently quite pleased with the overall level of talent we have had commit to Australia beyond this year.
“We have a lot of players now locked away on multi-year deals, and when you combine that with those we are yet to announce and those players who have shown a genuine interest in returning to Australia from overseas, I’m very comfortable with how the future is looking.”
Slipper said signing a long-term contract extension was always his preferred option.
“There is no doubt we are entering an exciting period with the World Cup in September, but overall I’ve got full confidence that the Test program is heading in the right direction and is setup for a lot of success in the years ahead,” Slipper said.
“The Wallabies are the pinnacle and wearing the jersey really does mean a lot to me. You never know when the journey is going to end, so you have to make the most of it while the opportunity exists.
“I’m also really passionate about the Reds and have really enjoyed the additional leadership responsibilities this year. There has been some tough times, but we’re all working extremely hard to turn our fortunes around, and I want to be part of that when it happens.”
Simmons said it was also important for him to remain in Australia.
“You never take the Wallabies jersey for granted, so for me right now I’m just working hard on my return from injury and trying to do everything I can to play well for the Reds,” Simmons said.
“That’s my immediate focus and if all goes well, I’ll hopefully get another opportunity to represent Australia later this year. That’s everyone’s ultimate goal – to play at a World Cup for the Wallabies – so I’ve just got to continue to work hard to put my hand up for selection.”
Nick Frisby
Meanwhile scrumhalf / flyhalf Nick Frisby have also been re-signed by the Reds for the 2016 season and beyond.
Frisby has been locked in until at least the end of 2017.
Frisby has been part of the Queensland development pathways since 2011 when he joined the Reds Academy.
He was named the side’s Rookie of the Year the following season and joined the full squad in 2013.
Queensland Rugby CEO Jim Carmichael was obviously delighted with the deals.
“To be able to announce that our captain, vice-captain and one of our most promising young players are recommitting to the Reds – a franchise they’ve been with since their professional careers began – is pleasing.
“We deliberately elevated James and Rob to formal leadership roles at the start of this year and their continued commitment to Queensland allows us to build for future success with these 2 players at the foundation of our plans.
“They’re both young with plenty of Super Rugby and International experience and we believe they have their best rugby ahead of them.
“Nick has continued to impress us as a talented young footballer. He has shown a lot of resilience over the last couple of seasons and stepped up as a senior player, despite his years, in recent months.”
Slipper, aged 26, has enjoyed a rapid rise at both Super Rugby and Test level, making his Reds and Wallabies debut in 2010.
He has played 74 games for Queensland and 63 Tests for the Wallabies, including all of Australia’s matches at the 2011 World Cup.
In 2014 he claimed the coveted Pilecki Medal for Reds players’ player of the year, along with the People’s Choice Award and Spirit of the Reds Award.
Slipper said: “I’m very happy to be remaining at Queensland for at least another 3 years. This is my home and I take great pride in representing my state.
“To be named captain earlier this year was such an honour and very humbling. I’ve been at Ballymore since I was 18 years old and part of the Reds program now for 8 years. There’s still plenty I want to achieve in this jersey.”
Simmons, aged 27, made his Reds debut in 2009 and is now considered the premier lock in Australia – having played 83 Super Rugby games and 50 Tests.
Simmons was named Reds vice-captain in 2015, but only played his 1st game of the season 2 weeks ago after missing half the season due to a nerve injury in his shoulder.
The lock has been one of the most consistent Reds players in recent years and prior to this year had not missed a game of Super Rugby for Queensland since becoming a regular starter in 2011. Similarly, for the Wallabies, Simmons has missed just 2 of the last 29 Tests for Australia over the past 2 seasons.
Simmons said: “I’ve played here for 7 years. I’ve enjoyed all my time here and I don’t think my time is up yet. I’m still highly motivated to perform for this franchise as a player and a leader.
“As James said, there’s still a lot to be achieved at the Reds and I feel I’ve still got plenty to offer at this franchise. We’ve had a bit of a transition of players over the last couple of seasons and it’s up to players like James and myself to help shape the future of this franchise.”
Frisby is just 22 years old and has already earned 35 caps for Queensland in the 4 seasons since making his debut.
While he hasn’t spent much of this season in his desired position of scrumhalf, the versatile back was one of the most impressive players on show during the inaugural season of the National Rugby Championship and helped steer Brisbane City to the title.
Frisby said: “I love playing for Queensland because of the pride and tradition in the jersey. It’s an honour to pull it on each week, in front of my family, friends and fans.
“The next 2 years I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to make the No 9 jersey my own. I’ve learnt so much from playing with Will Genia and he’s given me so much. I’m looking forward to taking on the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Reds head coach Richard Graham said: “It is a great show of support to the organisation that both James and Rob have re-committed. It also demonstrates their passion for the Reds and their determination as leaders to continue building the team as we move forward.
“James has had a tough initiation as captain. There hasn’t been a great amount of continuity in selection and we have faced some other adversities, however I am impressed by his care for his teammates and the time and effort he puts in.
“James has played more than 70 games for the Reds and more than 65 for the Wallabies. As a front row forward that is a remarkable achievement in the modern game. At only 25, he is regarded as one of the best props in the world. The wonderful thing for the Reds is we believe James still has further improvements left in his game. The fact that he is staying at Ballymore and can continue to work on those improvements here at the Reds is great.
“Whilst the start to 2015 hasn’t been easy for Rob, the work he has done on the sidelines demonstrates his desire to do well for the Reds. His commitment to the Reds for the next 2 years is a great show of the belief he has in the organisation.
“As a young tight forward, he has played more than 140 first class games and is the premier lineout caller in Australian Rugby. His desire to ensure that the set piece continues to evolve for the Reds is obvious.
“Rob is another we believe can develop further as both a leader and a player. The fact that we can work together here at Ballymore to help develop those aspects is an exciting prospect.
“I couldn’t be more pleased for Nick or the Reds. He has been with the team several years now and we have asked a lot of him in that time. Even now we are asking him to guide the team around at No 10 and he couldn’t be more of a team player.
“Nick’s form throughout the 2014 National Rugby Championship was a big reason why the team was successful. His continued exposure to Super Rugby in 2015 will further develop his game and I have no doubts he is a very, very good signing for the Reds as we move forward rebuilding the squad.
“He has worked hard to develop himself physically, is working with the coaches to further understand the game and has obviously sat alongside a very good mentor in Will. His roots are deeply imbedded in Queensland and he is another young member of the squad passionate about the Reds.”
The Reds play the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday 26 April.
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