Reds’ unsung hero makes huge move, as NRL convert’s brother signs

He announced himself as one of the unsung heroes of the Queensland Reds, but now Mac Grealy has sought a move west in a bid to take his game to new heights.

The winger has inked a two-year deal with the Western Force, with the allure of having the chance to play fullback understood to be part of the appeal.

Grealy had to wait until the Reds clash with Wales after the Super Rugby Pacific season to cross the tryline, scoring a double in a one-point defeat.

Mac Grealy has taken up a two-year contract with the Western Force.Credit: Kev Nagle / Stephen Tremain.

However, it was his tireless work whether he was making the highlight reels or not which impressed, regularly looping to the other side of the field to orchestrate overlaps and attacking raids.

The Reds are resigned to losing injured Wallabies star Jordan Petaia, while fellow flyer Suliasi Vunivalu is understood to be exploring his options, and were eager to retain 22-year-old Grealy.

“We would have liked Mac to stay in Queensland, but understand he has had a great option presented to him to secure his future in Australia for the next two years,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.

“Mac is a fine young man who has had a positive influence on the Reds on and off the field, and we wish him nothing but the best for this next chapter.”

With Jock Campbell establishing himself in Queensland’s No.15 jumper, the emergence of rookie sensation Tim Ryan, and the recruitment of Wallabies ace Filipo Daugunu, Grealy was granted the opportunity to play in the Force’s tour to South Africa.

He made a palpable impression on coach Simon Cron, triggering his move to Perth.

“Watching Mac play for a number of years we have always been impressed by his high work rate and ability to link in attack,” Cron said.

“His ability to play at 15, or wing, is a huge asset to our team. You’ll see he has an enormous number of last passes for tries.

“His personality type fits in with the player group we have here. He is humble and hungry, and it is a credit to those who have worked with him in his rugby development.”

In Grealy’s absence, former Melbourne Rebels youngster Mason Gordon has been signed for the 2025 campaign, Queensland’s sixth addition from the fallen franchise.

Gordon, the younger brother of former Wallabies five-eighth and Gold Coast Titans’ NRL recruit Carter Gordon, is joined by fellow Rebels Daugunu, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Matt Gibbon, Josh Canham and Lachlan Anderson.

The versatile 21-year-old, who is currently on the club’s Japan tour, believed Ballymore would bring out his best.

Queensland Reds recruit Mason Gordon.

“It was pretty much a no-brainer when the offer came with the unbelievable squad and coaching staff at the Reds,” Gordon said.

“I was born in Buderim and started school on the Sunshine Coast, so I definitely grew up always wanting to play for Queensland. I’d make the trek to Suncorp Stadium with the family to watch the Reds play as a kid, so there is dream-come-true stuff to this.”

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