Adding a third leg to Queensland’s historic double-header intrigue in Tonga, Harry Wilson marks July 26 on his comeback calendar.
The Reds number eight looked set to be recalled by the Wallabies under Joe Schmidt from his Super Rugby Pacific form before breaking his arm against the Melbourne Rebels in Round 12.
Watch every Super Rugby Pacific game live on Stan Sport, ad-free and on-demand.
Wilson underwent surgery last week and is undergoing an eight-week recovery July’s Tonga Internationals The possibility of him playing again.
„I will definitely be eligible in July to be considered for an at-large trip,” Wilson said in a statement.
„It’s exciting to have back-to-back matches in the Queensland jersey against two different international teams.
„I was lucky enough to travel to Tonga with the Australia A team last year, so I know how amazing the local crowd is. They only cheer for one team, but it was great to be on the other side of it. The stadium was so full people were watching. From the trees.”
Queensland’s tour breaks a 28-year drought for touring women’s sides with Reds halfback Nat Wright eager to take on a new challenge in Nuku’alofa.
The Matildas really showed that there is a product for women in the sport, and hopefully we can do something similar in the future,” Wright said. rugby.com.au.
Tongan and Benina Pacifica half-back Ana Ngahe said the women’s tournament „will be a life-changing moment for local Tongan girls”.
„There will be great excitement from our players and fans. I have no doubt that there will be an even higher level of support for women’s rugby in Tonga after this game. I am very grateful for that,” Ngahe said in a statement.
The Reds-Tonga fixtures are also big for players like East Tigers prop Massimo De Lutis, who has bided his time behind more experienced teammates throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season.
De Lutis earned his Queensland cap on tour against the Saitama Wild Knights last year and has returned to competition through the Hospital Cup following a 14-week injury lay-off.
„We are all very excited, especially the young lads. They are all keen to play against an international team with different styles of rugby and develop their skills,” De Ludis said. rugby.com.au.
„I’ll definitely put my hat in the ring, but it’s up to the coaches. I want to play and I’ll be really excited to go to Tonga.
„I was a bit jealous of the boys going to Fiji so I would love the chance to go.”