Wallabies coach Eddie Jones urges Reds star Hunter Paisami to continue on his ‘trajectory’

Having committed his immediate future to Queensland, an injured star has been urged to present a case for Rugby World Cup selection.

Hunter Paisami is working hard in his recovery from a knee injury. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has hinted that Hunter Paisami remains a part of his Rugby World Cup plans despite a knee injury that is keeping the Queensland Reds centre on the sidelines.

Paisami, who has re-signed with the Reds and Rugby Australia until the end of next year, hasn’t played since suffering medial ligament damage in Queensland’s 40-34 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Melbourne Rebels on March 25.

He hopes to return ahead of the Reds’ likely finals campaign, with that being his priority rather than be concerned with doing enough to earn selection in the Wallabies squad for the September-October World Cup in France.

Hunter Paisami has signed a new deal with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I’m grateful to have re-signed with the Reds and Australian Rugby – Queensland is home for me and my young family.” Paisami said.

“We (the Reds) have a lot to achieve on the field next season and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“It’s a big year for the Wallabies with the World Cup in France. Hopefully, I get the opportunity to be a part of it, but for now I am focused on rehab and getting myself back on the field for the Reds.”

Jones said that 25-year-old Paisami – whose 24 Tests were under the guidance of previous Wallabies coach Dave Rennie – was “still learning and growing”.

“He can play 12 or 13 (inside and outside centre) and has the potential to be a really valuable centre in the years ahead,” Jones said.

“I hope he can get back from his injury and work on continuing that trajectory.”

Meanwhile, the Reds – fresh from their upset 25-22 away win over the first-placed Chiefs last Saturday – host the Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.