Young prop Massimo De Lutis has been named in his debut for the Queensland Reds against Tonga in Nuku’alofa on Friday.
It’s a huge honor for the 20-year-old, who gave a glimpse of his power when he bench-pressed 202.5kg in April to claim Queensland’s strongest footballer.
De Lutz wisely says he’s still learning the difference between gym strength and technical and tactical strength.
“This trip to Tonga is a great opportunity to put into practice the skills I have learned training and playing for Eastern Nations in club footy,” De Lutis said.
De Lutz is already a key asset to the Reds’ international program. His two cameos for the Reds have come from the bench against Japan’s Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights and Wales.
„I was only on the pitch last Friday against Wales but the atmosphere in the crowd was fantastic and it really made you want to be a part of that match,” De Lutis said.
Reds head coach Les Kiss leaned heavily on Wales as they were beaten 36-35 by Wales in a thrilling 11-try display at Suncorp Stadium.
The only change to the starting side was the promotion of new recruit Lachie Anderson to the wing.
Matt Fassler, Josh Nassar and George Blake were unavailable.
Kaituu, 29, has been playing club rugby for GPS since completing his contract at Western Force. He faces a possible debut in this cap game for the Reds.
„The Welsh experience was incredible. It was a classic match with 23,000 fans supporting us, although it hurt to lose,” said Kiss.
„The lads did a fantastic job. Against Wales we had seniors like James O’Connor, Jack Campbell and Geoffrey Toomaga-Allen, but also youngsters like 19-year-old Trey Backhoe playing red for the first time.
„It’s Tonga this week and we’re very keen to continue the international exposure for our players and staff.
„The Tongan side will have a lot of quality players with size and explosiveness, so you go out there and don’t take your eye off the ball.”
Assistant coach Jane Hilton has an ace up her sleeve for the Reds. He was Tonga’s assistant coach at last year’s World Cup in France, and his profile of rugby in the islands extends to preparing lineout jumpers in the sun in the grandstand for afternoon kick-offs like this one.
Kiss said a tour featuring the Reds’ men’s and women’s teams to face Tonga’s national sides was an occasion to celebrate.
„Pacific As Sports does a lot of work to create these opportunities that advance both Pacific players and coaches and our own,” said Kiss.
„It’s a great opportunity for the Queensland girls to go on their first big trip. It’s fantastic to see the teams coming together.
Australia’s PacificAus Sports program supports the Tour of Tonga.
PacificAus Sports is the Australian Government’s sports diplomacy initiative that creates pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance training in Australia and internationally.
The program partners with Australian National Sports Organizations to support a range of Pacific sports, including rugby union. Funds are divided equally between men and women.
Queensland Reds vs Tonga
Friday 26th July
Teufaiva Sports Stadium, Nuku’alofa
12.30pm AEST
1. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
2. Richie Asiata – East – Anglican Church Grammar School
3. Massimo De Luttis – Easts – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins
4. Connor West – Souths – Grafton High School – Grafton Junior Rugby Club
5. Ryan Smith (VC) – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Thorncliffe – Caboolture Serpents
6. Seru Uru – Wests, Ratu Kataulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
7. John Bryant – Souths – St Laurence’s College – Souths
8. Joe Brill – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney
9. Louis Verchon – Wests – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Maroochydore Swans
10. James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s College of Nudge – Brothers
11. Mac Greely – University of Queensland – Downlands College – South Toowoomba
12. Dre Pakeho – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School
13. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Thorncliffe
14. Lachie Anderson – Eastwood – Ogle College – Doral Rugby Club
15. Jack Campbell (c) – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
Reserves
16. Kitu’u College** – GPS – St Joseph’s Nudgee College
17. Matt Gibbon – Bond University – St Joseph’s Nudge College – Wollongong Alstonville
Rugby Club
18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ
19. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melbourne – Harlequins, Melbourne
20. Taine Roiri – Sunnybank – John Paul College – Sunnybank
21. Will Cartwright – Brothers – St. Joseph’s College of Nudge – Brothers
22. Mason Gordon – Wests – Brisbane Men’s College – Wests
23. Floyd Aubrey – GPS – Marist College Ashgrove – GPS
Introducing the Reds
** Possible reds introduction
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”