Josh Nasser has been re-signed for two years by the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia to continue the strengthening of forward foundations for the future.
The Queensland Rugby Union is today delighted to announce that the Wallabies hooker will keep building his career at the Reds through 2028.
Nasser, 26, has developed from a young hopeful in the Buildcorp Reds Academy to an 11-Test Wallaby during his time at the club.
The 112kg hooker brings set piece strength, determined ball-carries and energy to change a game whether starting or coming off the bench.
“Queensland is home and there is nowhere I’d rather be at this point of my career with the exciting group we have and the opportunities coming up in the next few years,” Nasser said.
“To be able to stay is a massive privilege.”
Nasser said the evidence of how the Reds program is building strong careers was evident across his previous two-year deal signed in 2024.
He’s played 11 Tests in that time and built his significant Queensland career to 44 games as Red #1349 under expert coaching like that of (set piece mentor) Zane Hilton.
“’Choc’ (Hilton) has been awesome. He’s well versed across the entire game but with hooker stuff like scrummaging, lineout throwing and getting around the park he’s been spot on for me.
“The last two years have been unreal. The development has been massive.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d have 11 Wallabies Tests after a long period out with a bad ankle injury prior to 2024.
“I give credit to the coaches and the people around me for giving me a platform to bounce back.
“Over the next two years I want to expand on that and keep developing.”
The signing of Nasser, a product of St Joesph's College, Gregory Terrace, continues a concerted effort to lock in the building blocks of a powerful pack at the Reds.
Already, captain Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Matt Faessler, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Josh Canham and Aidan Ross have signed for the Reds through 2027 and beyond.
“I’ve been at the club for a fair few years now and seen different groups come through and I think the one we’ve got right now is pretty special,” Nasser said.
“We’ve got a couple of the best players in the world, I believe, and the makings of something really good. It’s about rallying together and getting up to that level.”
Nasser is in his seventh season at the Reds since making his debut at 20 against the Lions in Johannesburg in the COVID-shortened 2020 Super Rugby season.
Nasser is the son of 1991 World Cup Wallaby and former Queensland backrower Brendan Nasser.
“Donning the Wallaby gold has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. Obviously, it’s following in my dad’s footsteps. Every time I get in that environment I give it my all and train as hard as I can,” Nasser said.
“I’ve been rewarded at different periods. It’s been awesome. Any time I get to pull on that jersey is a massive honour.
“I feel like in my 11 Tests I’ve tried to leave everything out there on the park.
“Like anything, when you get more experience at different levels you feel you have a bit more of a place. The environment at the Wallabies is so competitive so you have to be on your game.
“My goal this Super Rugby season is purely on the Reds and hopefully from that I earn as many minutes as possible to put my best foot forward to make any squads after that.”
Nasser has made a strong impact in the Reds’ recent wins over the Highlanders and ACT Brumbies and faces another big clash on Saturday night when the NSW Waratahs visit Suncorp Stadium.
“I got 50 minutes in both those games. My body is feeling strong and I feel I’ve been able to make a bit of an impact in a couple of great wins,” Nasser said.
“We have to be prepared and ready for another big one on Saturday night against the Waratahs.”
Having Nasser sign for the next two years is a major positive, said Reds Head Coach Les Kiss.
"It's great news that Josh has re-committed. He's part of a group at the Reds who have established something strong," Kiss said.
"He has made massive improvements over the past two or three years and those growth plans continue into the future. His influence in the locker room is also growing on a weekly basis."
Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said Nasser's ongoing development can only benefit Australian rugby.
“Josh comes from a great rugby family and has developed into a strong and mobile hooker for the Reds and the Wallabies since making his debut for Queensland in 2020 and Australia in 2024," Horne said.
“At 26, Josh’s best is still ahead of him and we are pleased he has re-committed to Australian Rugby. With his strong work ethic and skillset, we look forward to his continued evolution at provincial and international level.”
