Wallabies giant Izack Rodda rejects Super Rugby rivals, recommits to Reds on two-year deal

GIANT Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has knocked back late poaching bids from the Waratahs and Rebels to resign with Queensland and continue his tutelage under Brad Thorn.

Izack Rodda has resigned with the Reds on a two-year deal. Picture: Getty

GIANT Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has knocked back a late poaching bid from the NSW Waratahs to resign with the Queensland Reds because he judged Brad Thorn as the best forward’s boss to develop under.

Rodda, 22, has inked a new two-year deal to the end of 2020 which builds on the momentum of contract commitments from key forwards Lukhan Tui, Caleb Timu and Angus Scott-Young.

The 10-Test figure is a key cog in Wallabies’ planning, not just for next year’s World Cup but beyond which reflects in the top-up component to his contract from Rugby Australia.

Izack Rodda has resigned with the Reds on a two-year deal. Picture: Getty

He lifted his form against South Africa last weekend, starting with a key early lineout steal, which suggests he’s ready for another challenging physical battle against the Argentinian pack at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

A meeting with Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson while in Sydney last month for the Bledisloe Cup Test and feelers from the Melbourne Rebels were potential curveballs in contracting which the Reds did not see coming.

BOOST: Folau, Pocock expected to return for Wallabies

BLEDISLOE: Why Wallaby Pete Samu hid from haka

Rodda is from Evans Head in northern NSW and follows the Blues at State of Origin time even though all his rugby opportunities have come in Brisbane.

“I like the feeling of Sydney and Melbourne but I couldn’t bring myself to leave Queensland which is where I got my first crack in rugby and where home is for me in rugby,” Rodda said.

“That’s where my heart is and where I see my best opportunity to keep developing under Thorny.

Izack Rodda wants to continue his career under Brad Thorn. Picture: Getty

“I wanted to stay in the role of lineout leader which I have at the Reds and there are other guys in that role with the Waratahs (Rob Simmons) and the Rebels (Adam Coleman).

“It’s a relief to have this all sorted.”

His first contract treat may be an upgrade on his 10-year-old Toyota Camry which has slogged through 295,000km getting him between training, home, family visits and games.

“That car is a great servant but maybe I’ll have a look at a ute,” Rodda said.

Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 3 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.