Queensland duo James Slipper and Rob Simmons commit to Reds in boost for Australian rugby

THE re-signing of James Slipper and Rob Simmons is reassuring evidence that the new Giteau Law is not going to be used as an easy exit strategy by all top Wallabies.

Queensland Reds new Captain James Slipper (middle) and vice-captains Karmichael Hunt and Rob Simmons. Pic Darren England.

THE re-signing of James Slipper and Rob Simmons is reassuring evidence that the new Giteau Law is not going to be used as an easy exit strategy by all top Wallabies.

Prop Slipper has already met the 60-Test requirement to be picked for the Wallabies from overseas if he’d elected to sign for a foreign club next year.

Instead, he has committed to a new three-year deal with the Queensland Reds he skippers and Australian rugby.

Lock Simmons, a 50-Test forward, would likely reach that same 60-Test mark at this year’s World Cup.

POSITION: Giteau must be centre of attention

He has decided on a new two-year deal with the Reds and Australian rugby while Slipper’s contract is priority acknowledgment of how important he is in the tight five.

In addition, the Reds announced the signing of Nick Frisby to a two-year deal.

He is playing flyhalf right now but his signature was vital because he is the successor to fixture Will Genia, who is off to Paris after the World Cup.

“These are two really significant contract extensions for Australian rugby. You can never have enough talented tight-five forwards, and James and Rob have already shown an ability to play their positions at a world class level,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.

Slipper, a 63-Test high achiever, said staying in Australia was always his goal.

“We are entering an exciting period with the World Cup but overall I’ve got full confidence that the Test program is heading in the right direction and is setup for success in the years ahead,” Slipper said.

Rob Simmons has re-signed on a two-year contract.

“I’m really passionate about the Reds and have really enjoyed the additional leadership responsibilities this year.

“There have been some tough times, but we’re all working extremely hard to turn our fortunes around, and I want to be part of that when it happens.”

Simmons was forthright in how the overseas club base option wasn’t for him.

“Everyone will give it a thought but I want to play here in Queensland … there are a few things I want to knock over as challenges,” Simmons said.

It is a positive start to retention for the battling Reds but the balloons won’t be released at Ballymore until a top No. 10, Quade Cooper or someone else, is signed for next year.

“To be able to announce that our captain, vice-captain and one of our most promising young players are recommitting to the Reds is pleasing,” Queensland Rugby Union boss Jim Carmichael said.

“They’ve been with the Reds since their professional careers began.

“We deliberately elevated James and Rob to formal leadership roles at the start of this year and their continued commitment to Queensland allows us to build for future success with these two players at the foundation of our plans.”

Originally published as Queensland duo James Slipper and Rob Simmons commit to Reds in boost for Australian rugby