Harry Wilson vows to lift after re-signing with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia

Wallabies coach Eddie Jons is a fan of Harry Wilson but wants the Queensland Reds back-rower to ‘work harder’.

Harry Wilson has promised to adhere to Wallabies coach Eddie Jones’ demand for him to “work harder” after the Queensland No.8 signed a new deal with the Reds and Rugby Australia.
Wilson, who has recommitted to the Reds and RA until at least the end of 2025, said he felt “valued” despite having failed to cement a spot in Australia’s pack.

“I’ve got a few areas of my game that I need to work on,” 22-year-old Wilson said.

“I’ll hopefully do it to the point where I’ll be in the team week in, week out.

“The ball’s in my court now if I want to pull my finger out.”

Jones was sure Wilson would make the “right choice”.

“Harry needs to work harder to fulfil his talent ... and we are backing him 100 per cent,” Jones said.

Harry Wilson will remain with the Reds until at least the end of the 2025 season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Wilson was glad for the feedback and was certain Jones had his “best interests at heart”.

“I know he thinks I can be such a better footballer than what I am now, so it’s good him having the belief in me, and for me it’s showing that I’m a better footballer and I’m wiling to work hard to be better,” he said.

Wilson also praised departing Reds coach Brad Thorn,

“He’s someone who’s done a lot for me in my career, and he’s really pushed me on and made me improve as a footballer,” he said of Thorn, who will leave his role at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Thorn has made two changes to his starting team for Saturday night’s clash against Western Force at Suncorp Stadium, with fit-again pair Liam Wright and Seru Uru returning to the forward pack to replace Jake Upfield and Ryan Smith, who have both been dropped to the bench.

There is also a reshuffle in the backline, with Jordan Petaia and Jock Campbell switching positions.

Petaia will start at fullback, with Campbell shifted to the wing.

“The Force had a good win over the Highlanders last round. They’re going to be a tough challenge for us,” Thorn said.

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Seru Uru. Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Jock Campbell, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia. Bench: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Ryan Smith, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu.

Originally published as Harry Wilson vows to lift after re-signing with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia