Queensland Reds hooker Richie Asiata will hit 2025 with positive vibes after rejuvenating his game with a strong finish to the year.
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No one benefitted more from the Reds’ proactive pursuit of an International Program to add another layer of games after the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Back-to-back knee injuries scratched Asiata from any outings in SRP which left his 2024 at the crossroads by June.
Rather than have his season stall, Asiata relished the matches organised for the Reds against Wales, Tonga and Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
He was one of the Reds’ best and most consistent forwards in all three games and he wedged in a strong campaign for Northland in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship as well.
He has more good rugby ahead with the Reds booked for a pre-season tour to Europe to play the Bristol Bears and Ulster in January-February. The tour is all aimed at getting the Reds in prime shape for their Super Rugby Pacific opener against Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium on February 21.
Having a new one-year deal sorted with the Reds for 2025 has put a smile on his future.
“It’s good to be locked in at the Reds for another year. It’s always been the state I’ve wanted to play my rugby for,” Asiata said.
“Having the solid run of games in the second half of the year has been really good for me mentally.
“Credit to the rehab team. They got me back on the field and I’ve really enjoyed playing again and being able to back my abilities with a healthy body.”
Asiata’s hustle produced three tries in the high-scoring clash against the Welsh at Suncorp Stadium when the biggest crowd of the Reds’ season lapped up the action.
Even when on the recovery trail earlier in the year, he felt he was learning and building his game with the Reds’ band of coaches.
“I especially got a lot from ‘Fish’ (assistant coach Jonathan Fisher) around the breakdown with tackle height and the cleanout,” Asiata said.
“’Choc’ (assistant coach Zane Hilton) is excellent around the set piece.
“For me, they were really specific around the little things that matter most. That detail is making a difference to the whole squad.
“There’s a good culture being built around the boys at the Reds. We’re expressing ourselves, coming out of our shells.”
Asiata's joker streak is never far from the surface.
Asiata has been a regular around Ballymore since his National Rugby Championship days with Queensland Country. He’s also been shrewd enough to build on his knowledge overseas with stints with the Toronto Arrows in Major League Rugby and Northland.
“I still see good improvements in my game ahead,” the 106kg hooker said.
As a mature forward of 28, he doesn’t see Wallabies hookers Matt Faessler and Josh Nasser as a brick wall ahead of him at the Reds.
“I see it as a good competition. That will bring out the best in all the hookers,” Asiata said.
Asiata is also committed to Sunnybank as his club in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup.
“I was a late starter in rugby and the Bank was my first ever club at 16,” he said.
What now for Christmas after another week of solid sessions in the Reds’ final busy block of training for 2024?
“I’ll spend good time with my family and siblings and there might be a bit of Samoan food in there…a nice pig in the umu (above-ground oven), some taro…and salad of course,” Asiata said with a grin.
