Joe Brial believes staying with the Queensland Reds will give him his best chance of forcing his way into Australia\u2019s squad for next year\u2019s Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
The son of former Wallaby Michael Brial has signed a new two-year deal that will keep him at the Reds until at least 2028.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny goals I have around a home World Cup next year come from what I do at the Reds,\u201d the 24-year-old back-rower said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not too caught up in anything but performing for Queensland.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an exciting time for rugby in Queensland. We have a good group at the Reds with more strength coming through.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sydney-born Brial debuted for the Reds in 2024 and has made 27 appearances for Queensland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is my third season around international back-rowers like Harry (Wilson) and Fraser (McReight), and Liam Wright before that, plus the world-class coaching here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDevelopment has come through in my defence, attack \u2026 everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brial\u2019s form led to his selection in an Anzac XV, coached by current Reds mentor Les Kiss, that last year took on the British and Irish Lions.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe is a big lad. It\u2019s not just strength and power but a smart game that he brings,\u201d Kiss said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s being used more in lineouts, for example. He\u2019s made massive improvements over the past two years and he understands he has to continue to work on his game to get better still.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brial started for the Reds in their Super Rugby Pacific round 1 loss to the NSW Waratahs on February 13.<\/p>\n
Having had a weekend bye, Queensland resumes its campaign on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium against the Highlanders.<\/p>\n
The Reds also last week announced a two-match tour of Italy in November. Queensland will play games against an Italy XV and Benetton Treviso, whom the Reds have a partnership with.<\/p>\n