The Reds have continued to bolster their pack, extending the contract of towering lock Angus Blyth until the end of 2023.
On the back of announcements on the future of forwards Taniela Tupou, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright and Angus Scott-Young, as well as halfback Tate McDermott, over the past week, the signing of Blyth gives the Reds one of the most formidable packs in the Australian conference.
The 21-year-old Blyth had seven appearances for the Reds last season after making his Super Rugby debut in the final game of 2018.
Earning starts when Harry Hockings was out suspended and Wallaby Izack Rodda rested under Rugby Australia’s workload management policy, Blyth showed he was more than just a player of great potential.
Queensland has done an outstanding job in developing its young talent over the past few years, especially in the forwards, where Thorn and veteran scrum coach Cameron Lillicrap shine.
But retention is as important and the Reds are doing an outstanding job of ensuring they reap the rewards of developing their home-grown youngsters by locking up their talent.
Blyth’s deal will ensure he remains at Ballymore until after the next World Cup in France.
“It means so much to me re-signing for the Reds for the next four years,” Blyth said.
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“I’m really looking forward to the future of Ballymore and the playing group coming through here.”
But it’s not just one Blyth that has pledged his future to the Reds.
Queensland’s proud history of siblings at Ballymore will continue with confirmation Blyth’s younger brother Wilson has also been signed through 2022 on a developing squad contract.
In his final year at The Southport School, Wilson Blyth – a lock like his older brother – is also a current member of the Reds Academy who recently featured in their opening U18 tournament match against Melbourne.
“I’m looking to continue to develop under Brad and the coaching staff, plus to play with my brother and good mates I’ve made here in Queensland,” Blyth said.
Reds coach Brad Thorn said it was good to have the Blyth brothers at Ballymore together.
“Angus has signed for four years which is a great result. He’s a hard worker and a humble guy. He was rewarded this year with his first start at lock,” Thorn said.
“We also look forward to having Wilson here. He has the support of his older brother and the whole group.”