Nasser commits to Queensland

Josh Nasser has re-signed with the Queensland Reds for two years in a positive move to keep building the career of one of Australia’s best young hookers.

The Reds are delighted to have Nasser’s commitment for 2025 and 2026 after the best season of his blossoming Super Rugby career.

The 112kg Nasser played in all 15 of the Reds’ matches in Super Rugby Pacific in 2024 when his set piece work, energy to lift the team and consistency were features.

“Queensland is my home state. I’ve come through the Reds Academy and under-age teams so to re-commit is a no-brainer,” Nasser, 24, said.

“At the Reds this year, you feel part of really solid foundations for future growth as well.

“In my specialist position, I’ve had the luxury of (set piece mentor) Zane Hilton as a brilliant coach. The detail he gives you around scrum time and lineout throwing has been immense.”

Nasser is the son of 1991 World Cup Wallaby Brendan Nasser while the family’s strong rugby genes are shared even wider.

Josh’s sister Bella, 21, is in the final selection mix for the Paris Olympics with Australia’s world champion women's rugby sevens team which is training at Ballymore Stadium this week.

“Neither of us would ever have thought we’d be training in professional set-ups at the same time at Ballymore. It’s a bit surreal,” Josh said.

“As a kid, you see the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport so it’s a thrill for me too to see Bella take her opportunities with both hands since becoming part of the Aussie sevens team.”

Reds head coach Les Kiss is upbeat about having Nasser’s signature on a new contract.

“It’s great news that Josh has decided to re-commit on the back of a really good season,” Kiss said.

“He’s an important part of the tight five strength we continue to build and an important member of the squad generally. He’s always striving to be the best he can be.”

The enviable International program brokered by the Reds can benefit players like Nasser most of all with the opportunities for extended playing time against a variety of opponents.

This week’s announcement of a match in Belfast means matches against Wales (July 19), Tonga (July 26), Bristol (January 31) and Ulster (February 7) have been locked in plus an October-November tour to Japan to continue the annual link with the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.

Platinum tickets for the clash against Wales at Suncorp Stadium have already been sold out as a strong sign of the appeal of playing against top international sides.

“The current squad has never had this chance to play international sides like this. It’s exciting. Heading to Europe to play more and build cohesion can only help the Reds heading into 2025,” Nasser added.