Reds captain Tate McDermott to make his 100th appearance for Queensland

A century of games for the Queensland Reds ranks as one of Tate McDermott’s “proudest” achievements in rugby union.

Reds captain Tate McDermott couldn’t have asked for a better venue and opponent for his 100th appearance in a Queensland jersey.

In a dream scenario for McDermott, the Reds will host the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

“The timing’s worked out perfectly, and it’s against the Brumbies as well,” the Queensland and Wallabies halfback said.

“They’re the benchmark in Australian rugby. They’ve been the side that we’ve been chasing for a number of years.

“It should be a great match-up.”

Hear more from McDermott 👇 pic.twitter.com/Z6HydDcFFG

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) April 8, 2025

Playing at home in front of family, friends and Reds fans will only add to the occasion for 26-year-old McDermott.

“I’m really fortunate, and it’s a really proud moment for me and my family on Saturday night,” he said.

“For me, (Suncorp Stadium) was always somewhere I sat as a kid, so I can relate to the people that come out and watch us.

“It’s somewhere I absolutely love playing, and I honestly think it’s the best stadium in the world not only how they designed it, but there’s just something about the grass out there.”

McDermott, who debuted for Queensland in 2018, is proud of his milestone achievement.

“I’ve always supported the Reds, a young kid from the Sunshine Coast … I never thought I’d be in this position,” he said.

“I’ve been pretty lucky to make my debut for Australia and to captain the Wallabies and the Reds, and now this is up there with probably my proudest achievement in rugby.”

Topping off the night for McDermott would be a Reds win, which would also be the perfect way to respond to last Friday’s 27-15 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Chiefs in Waikato.

“It’s not necessarily about us bouncing back, it’s about us continuing to play our brand of footy. We’re just sticking true to what we believe is important to us,” McDermott said.

Tate is set to bring up 100 Queensland caps this weekend at Suncorp Stadium 🤙🐨 pic.twitter.com/EWN8vVrR2l

— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) April 8, 2025

It’s also a big match for McDermott’s likely halves partner Tom Lynagh, who is set to go head-to-head with Brumbies flyhalf Noah Lolesio, who has jeopardised his chances of retaining the Wallabies No.10 jersey after announcing he would continue his club career in Japan next year.

McDermott said 21-year-old Lynagh had “put himself in the frame” to be the Wallabies’ long-term flyhalf.

“I’ve been really impressed with how he’s gone. He’s been a huge asset for our team,” he said of Lynagh.

“I’m really happy for Tommy. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does against a quality side again on the weekend.

“He’s taken his game to a whole other level. For him, it’s about consistency, and so far he’s been consistent, which has been great.”