Queensland Teenager Treyvon Pritchard Steps Into the Spotlight
Queensland teenager Treyvon Pritchard is set to make a significant impact in his first Super Rugby Pacific start at fullback, with team captain Fraser McReight expressing excitement about the young talent’s potential. The 19-year-old, already attracting attention from the incoming NRL side PNG Chiefs for his performances on the wing, will switch positions for the Reds’ final-round match against the Fijian Drua on Friday night.
Pritchard is stepping into the role previously held by Jock Campbell, who will be rested after a standout season that has seen him emerge as a strong contender for the Wallabies fullback jersey. This move highlights the confidence coach Les Kiss has in Pritchard, with much at stake for the sixth-placed Reds, who have the opportunity to finish as high as fourth with a win and if other teams slip up.
Making his Super Rugby debut this year, Pritchard has already caught the attention of the financially powerful PNG Chiefs, who are keen to reunite him with his 21-year-old brother Kadin, a centre for the Brumbies. McReight, who has been a vocal supporter of the young player, praised Pritchard’s skills and composure on the field.
“Really excited for him – he’s looking dangerous out there,” McReight said during preparations for the Suncorp Stadium clash. “He’s able to beat defenders easily and maintain his composure in the collisions. At home as well, so in front of his mum and his dad and his other siblings, it’s going to be exciting.”
Key Players Returning for the Reds
McReight is also pleased to see big man Lukhan Salakaia-Loto return as a starting lock after becoming a father for the third time on Tuesday. Salakaia-Loto will partner Josh Canham, who made a successful 80-minute comeback in the last-gasp win over Moana Pasifika.
“He’s been a super abrasive sort of lock and the character within the group and the boys are amped to have him back,” McReight said of Salakaia-Loto. “He’s going to do wonders for us.”
Preparing for the Final Stretch
If the Reds remain in sixth place, they will travel to Wellington to face the table-topping Hurricanes, who will take on the Crusaders in Christchurch in an early Friday match. McReight outlined the team’s goals for the Drua match, focusing on securing a victory in their last home game of the season and building momentum ahead of next week’s first final.
“You want to work on the things that you haven’t been executing and you want to finish high on the ladder,” the Wallabies No.7 said. “The ladder’s evolving … so it’s about what we can do and what we can control and that’s our performance.”
“Whatever team we come up against (in the final) they know that we’re a great side and we can play some really good football, but that’s next week and today is obviously focusing on Fiji.”
Looking Ahead
With the season drawing to a close, the Reds are determined to end on a high note. The inclusion of Pritchard in the starting lineup signals a bold move by the coaching staff, reflecting their belief in the young player’s abilities. As the team prepares for the final rounds of the competition, the focus remains on performance, resilience, and the pursuit of success in the upcoming matches.
