Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto finds familiar home at Reds
Another chip from the Rebels' demise has fallen, with Wallaby forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto making the move back to Queensland.
The Sydneysider made a name for himself in Queensland's rugby pathway and flourished with the Reds, making his Wallabies debut against the Springboks in 2017, just a year after his Super Rugby debut at the age of 19.
Having suited up for the Northampton Saints and Rebels since departing the club in 2022, the now 27-year-old returns with experience to share and an ever-present appreciation for the region.
“To be back here in Brisbane and at Ballymore is unreal, especially with the way the Reds played this season,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“Having such strong connections to this place, I’m just grateful I could talk things through in a positive way with Les, Sam, the coaching staff, ‘Wrongaz’ (Liam Wright) and Tate (McDermott).
“Hopefully, I can be a part of the Reds taking the next step next year. I know how hard the boys work here so it’s up to us to make it happen.”
he reflected on the lessons of the past two seasons away from the Reds and what he would bring back to the club in 2025.
“The season at Northampton was massive for me in terms of developing my game and my growth as a person off the field as well,” he said.
“I was a sponge learning more about playing lock and flanker off experienced forwards like Courtney Lawes.
“You mature and see the game better. Hopefully, I can pass on some of those learnings because when I was a young fella at the Reds in 2016 I was probably only thinking about what to eat next.
“Life is definitely different and better with a partner and two kids. I’ve heard from the Reds boys that Les is big on family and I’m excited to be part of it all in Brissy.”
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Nah hes a journeyman. Right call
Go to commentsAgreed for the most part. And perhaps Dmac needed a period were he is the 'Hobson's choice' too.
Yes and no, they main concern I had from the situation is Razor didn't really explain why they had developed differing opinions, had he? I've seen too many things happen in life to jump the gun. Fall all we know it was a locked in choice before they found the difference last year and played out this year to see if they were recoverable. I can certainly see where it would be a valid criticism to suggest he spent too much time reviewing his players tripping overseas and not enough work with his team at that time. But things like Tony Brown not even being contacted in the lead up to the naming of the squad are endemic in the union, and for much just as much blame should be laid on someone like Wayne Smith. Some like Mitch would have been aval at the same time too I'd think.
Ultimately I see MacDs time at the Blues much as I saw Ian Fosters time at the Chiefs. Heavily overshadowed by their successors but you could find something good in there if you wanted. Same here. This will play out.
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