Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Queensland Reds strike weapon Hunter Paisami has denied reports he has locked in a move to Japanese rugby.
The Wallabies centre, who comes off contract at season’s end, says what’s best for his family will dictate his next move.
With a home World Cup on the horizon, his young family’s wellbeing to consider and a desire to deliver premiership glory to Ballymore, plenty is at stake for the 27-year-old.
Hunter Paisami has hit career-best form under Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss.Credit: Getty Images
But despite suggestions at the end of 2025 he would venture to Japan after the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Paisami told this masthead that while he was still assessing his options, he hoped to remain in Queensland.
“I’m just, at the moment, still locked in here at Reds and Rugby Australia, but I’m still open and yarning with my manager through some options. But so far, I’m here, and I’m locked in here,” he said.
“For me as well, it’s about having to set up my family. Obviously, this career is not forever, so for me, playing is always about my family. That’s a family decision, and I know whatever decision my partner and kids decide to do is the right one.”
Paisami has blossomed into one of Australia’s leading centres under the tutelage of Reds and future Wallabies coach Les Kiss, who has given him the belief to trust his skillset and instincts.
Since Kiss’ arrival, Paisami has developed into a three-pronged threat, with his playmaking and kicking abilities growing alongside his barnstorming running style.
“For me, it’s been adapting to different coaching, that’s the biggest challenge,” he said.
“[Wallabies coach] Joe [Schmidt] is different to Les. Obviously Joe’s game plan, you can see, is pick and go through the forward pack, but Les is about being yourself and expressing yourself and having a crack.
“It’s all about eyes-up footy, and everyone around the system knows their job and how they want to play.”
Even if he left the Reds, Paisami would still be eligible for Wallabies selection at the 2027 World Cup. But he would face stiff competition for the No.12 jumper from Sydney Roosters convert Angus Crichton.
Crichton, who will end his time in the NRL at the end of 2026 to push for a Wallabies berth, has also been identified as an inside-centre prospect.
Paisami relishes the challenge, and believes the State of Origin hardman’s injection will bring out the best in Australia’s international hopefuls.
“I think it’s good competition. Obviously, we don’t have a lot of centres in Australia with experience, so I think someone like Angus, with his profile, can help rugby as well and bring people back into rugby,” he said.
“I watched my first-ever Origin game at Suncorp [Stadium] when he played. He’s a big boy, and a freak. He probably won’t look out of place there.”
The Reds will launch their season on February 13 against the Waratahs in Sydney.
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