Queensland’s strongest footballer rockets into Lions series calculations after Wallabies camp selection
A 20-year-old powerhouse prop who can bench press 202.5kg is in the frame for the British & Irish Lions series.
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Rookie Massimo De Lutiis has bolted into a 40-man Wallabies training camp set for January despite having never played a Super Rugby game.
The 20-year-old powerhouse prop, who bench pressed an astonishing 202.5kg in April to become the strongest footballer in Queensland in any code, is now strongly in contention for the British & Irish Lions series.
De Lutiis represented the Reds in post-season games against Tonga, Wales and Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights, and was on the Australia XV tour to the UK, but is expected to make his Super Rugby debut next February.
Being drafted into Joe Schmidt’s training camp on January 8 in Sydney shows just how highly he is rated.
But this masthead understands that the camp will largely be reflecting on the 2024 season and most focus will be on the spring tour, so players like former Wallabies captains Liam Wright and Dave Porecki, and star back Filipo Daugunu who have missed out are still very much in the frame for Lions selection.
This camp will run just over two days before the players return to their Super clubs.
“These two and a half days provide a final opportunity to look back at the 2024 season, particularly our Tests in November, then have a quick glance at the program for 2025,” Schmidt said.
“It’s also a chance for the Wallabies performance and medical staff to facilitate testing before the players from the Spring Tour officially restart with their Super Rugby Pacific sides.
“As well as those in camp, it’s great to see a number of players coming back from injury and others who did well for the Australia XV team, who we are looking forward to watching during the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.”
The squad is made up of 22 forwards and 18 backs, and will be the last camp before they gather for the Lions series.
Schmidt’s future as Wallabies coach beyond the Lions remains unclear.
He is off contract at the end of the series but has been offered an extension through to the end of the 2027 World Cup by Rugby Australia.
Schmidt will weigh that up against needing to be home in New Zealand to look after his son, who suffers from epilepsy and needs constant care.
A decision may not be known until early next year. Queensland’s Les Kiss is the favourite to take over should Schmidt step down.
Wallabies 2025 Home Tests
British & Irish Lions Tour
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions, Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions, Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v British & Irish Lions, Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
The Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup
Wallabies v Argentina, Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Wallabies v Argentina, Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth
Originally published as Queensland’s strongest footballer rockets into Lions series calculations after Wallabies camp selection
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Rookie Reds prop in Wallabies training squad
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