Ex-NRL try machine makes surprise code switch with Reds
Updated . First published at
Ex-NRL star David Fusitu’a will make a surprise Queensland Reds debut after being named to start at outside centre against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday (5.45pm AEST kickoff).
The 106kg Fusitu’a scored 61 tries in 108 NRL games for the New Zealand Warriors and represented both New Zealand and Tonga at Test level.
David Fusitu’a of Tonga flies above Josh Addo-Carr of Australia at Eden Park. Getty Images
Now 31, Fusitu’a thought he had finished his professional career after signing off from the Leeds Rhinos in 2024.
“It’s been a crazy couple of years. After my time in league ended with Leeds, I knew I wasn’t finished with footy and wanted to give rugby a crack,” Fusitu’a said.
“I made some enquiries through a friend in NZ. He connected me to the Brothers club, so I’m in Brisbane by chance. The people there have been really welcoming, I’m enjoying some new friendships and making headway in rugby.
“I’ve really found that love of what grassroots footy is all about. I’m pretty aware of the rich history of the Reds and want to rip in at Roma. There’s always a bit more in it coming up against NSW.”
Reds coach Vern Cotter has also handed ex-Wallabies flyer Sefa Naivalu a start on the left wing.
Cotter’s depth has been tested following injuries to Izaia Perese (calf), Josh Flook (torn Achilles) and Lachie Anderson (facial fracture).
The Reds lost their Super Rugby AUS opener 29-28 to the Western Force.
“There was some real good stuff content-wise in that first game. We just have to be more consistent by putting one good cycle of play on another,” Cotter said.
“There was plenty of effort, a lot of chances created and the right frame of mind.
“The Waratahs are a big forward pack so we’ll have to up our play. It’s the old foe. We are really looking forward to getting out to Roma and seeing our fans.”
Meanwhile, James O’Connor is set to pull on the Force jersey for the first time since 2011 after being named on the bench to take on the ACT Brumbies in Perth on Sunday (11.30am AEST kickoff).
Zac Lomax will start at outside centre and Kurtley Beale at No.10.
“They’ve spent so much time together at Wallabies level, and they’ve got a really strong rapport,” Force coach Damian Steele said of O’Connor and Beale.
“That’s something that the younger boys have said to us as well. They just notice how much they connect with each other, and they’ve just got an understanding of how the game’s unfolding in front of them.
“They know where each other are and they find the right areas. So yeah, it’ll be awesome. It’s a great story for us to have those guys out on the pitch together if it does eventuate.”
Steele said O’Connor could be used at either No.10 or No.12 in the second half.
"He's raring to go," Steele said.
“We should be able to get a good 30, 40 (minutes) out of him if we need to, but he looks good. He’s smart enough and wily enough to put himself in places if he is a little bit cooked to avoid too much.”
James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale nna\mdinjaski
Both games will be live on Stan Sport.
How they line up
Reds (1-15): George Blake, Matt Faessler (c), Nick Bloomfield, Will Ross, Charlie Brosnan, Tom Robinson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Mosiah Christian, Tom Lynagh, Sefa Naivalu, Josh Takai, David Fusitu’a, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch
Reserves: Zac Hough, Harrison Usher, Trevor King, Dom Thygesen, Vaiuta Latu, Cooper Stewart, Ben Volavola, Jake Pappin, Kenneth Harris, Alex Flanagan-Smith
Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Edwin Langi, Eamon Doyle (c), Miles Amatosero, Tom Girle, Marshall Le Maitre, Isaac Fonua, Teddy Wilson, Max Burey, Freedom Vahaakaolo, George Poolman, Otto Serfontein, Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong, Sid Harvey
Reserves: Tyler Maybery, Brady Dawson, Will Goddard, Joe Mangelsdorf, Angus Scott-Young, Luke Reimer, Angus Grover, Joe Dillon, Charlie Bird, Nick Chan
Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly (c), Brad Kuhn, Will Harris, Zak Healey, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jack Daly, Jackson Iose, Nathan Hastie, Kurtley Beale, Ronan Leahy, Boston Fakafanua, Zac Lomax, Wallace Charlie, Mac Grealy
Reserves: Albert Alcock, Max Sawers, Misinale Epenisa, Tim Sail, Seta Baker, Luke Aiken, James O’Connor, Tama Anderson, Kane Koteka, Regin Pratt
Brumbies (1-15): Lington Ieli, Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson (c), Tavita Loughland, Eli Langi, Oscar Cleary, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Jarrah McLeod, Ollie Sapsford, Triston Reilly
Reserves: Ewald Kruger, Finn Baxter, Darcy Breen, Tu’ukalikali Vaihu, Darcy Fogerty, Dan Nelson, Oscar Shaw, Dylan Bretton, Kadin Pritchard, Chace Oates
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