Super Rugby AUS is a springboard…a valuable early lift-off in preparation for the 2026 season and a launch for blossoming careers.
Let’s dive into the backgrounds of five new faces with a chance to make their marks for the Queensland Reds on Sunday afternoon at Ballymore Stadium.
All will get their chance against the ACT Brumbies as starters or off the bench.
Tom Robinson (Flanker)
The 1.89m backrower impressed all with his debut in the Reds starting side against Tonga in August.
He’s excellent on his detail…into good positions for cleanouts, sharp tackle tech, a big motor and the sort of flanker who bobs up at the right time in support.
Last year’s Australia Under-18s captain is also the son of World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, who made his own Queensland debut in the backrow under a shock of blond hair in the early 1990s.
Will Cartwright (Winger)
The term “pocket rocket” was invented for players like the Brothers flyer. He’s a halfback turned match-turning winger.
You only had to be at the StoreLocal Hospital Cup grand final to realise that.
His hat-trick of tries showed off all his skills…he caught a cross-kick for one try, beat a defender pointless with a pacy in-and-away to score another and so on.
He earned Reds outings against Wales and Tonga last year and continues to impress.
Theo Fourie (Hooker)
The hooker has done the hard yards to finally earn his chance in Queensland.
South African-born, he played for Rockhampton Grammar before heading to Brisbane. He felt a better chance existed elsewhere and trained with the Melbourne Rebels where he earned a Super Rugby debut in 2023.
He offers more than a reliable set piece. Watch for him popping up in support or dishing a smart offload in general play.
James Martens (Halfback)
Playing halfback is in the blood because his father Hentie played at No.9 for the Springboks. That mentorship has taught him about space and to see opportunities not deadends on the field.
He’d only been on the field for a few minutes as a replacement when a quick tap in his own quarter ignited a long range try for the Reds against Tonga in August.
An eye-catcher on attack.
Zac Hough (Hooker)
A converted backrower, this is a dream promotion to reserve hooker on Sunday.
The former Queensland Under-18s captain is kick-starting his career in Queensland again after trying his luck in the Melbourne Rebels system.
A torn ACL in late 2023 ruined much of 2024 but he did take on the advice of then-Rebels forwards coach Geoff Parling to keep up his lineout throwing during that long lay-off.
The 105kg Hough, 22, began the season at Wests and switched to University of Queensland mid-season to make his mark in club rugby.
He brings his backrow skills at the breakdown to the role.
