Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson believes Queensland's unbeaten UK tour will "mean nothing" if they can't deliver on the Super Rugby Pacific stage this year.
While pleased with his Reds' 38-31 win over Ulster on Saturday morning, Wilson was quick to direct attention to their season opener against Moana Pasifika in Round 2.
Here's five things we learned from Queensland Reds v Ulster.
“We’re really excited to earn two wins over here, but we know it means nothing come our first game at Suncorp Stadium. We’re excited to see where we can go this year," Wilson said. “It’s very cool to wear the Queensland jersey on the world stage and it’s not something many teams get to do.
"All of the Wallabies boys who returned to pre-season were just so excited to get back in the Queensland group and rip in, and touring this time of the year has been awesome for our connection.
"We’ve been in each other’s pockets for two weeks and while we’re probably due for a bit of time back home away from each other, it’s been such a special tour for us.”
One player desperate to make his Super Rugby return is Hunter Paisami, who was among Queensland's best on tour with two starting roles at inside centre.
“It was good to come up against a quality team, big men who gave it to us all game,” Paisami said of the Ulster clash.
“Our game management was crucial to allow us to play our game, which has been a big focus for us this pre-season.
“Knowing that we are coming up against another really physical team in Moana next, tonight was the ideal preparation for that challenge.
"They really tested our physicality, and we will learn plenty from this.” Post-game, Reds coach Les Kiss implored Queenslanders to get behind their side in 2025, promising an "aggressive style of attacking rugby".
“We improved our crowds by 30 per cent last year and we need that support this year," Kiss said.
“They will see a team that will fight for every inch, and they will see a team that works hard and tries to play the most aggressive style of attacking Rugby that we can.
"The guys relish the fact that they play in front of a special home crowd and the more there for Moana, the better."
