Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss prepares to unleash next generation

“He knows he’s trying to fit and work out how we do play, and he’s already added value in many ways.”

McLaughlin-Phillips will feature alongside halfback James Martens in Perth, with the son of former Springboks No.9 Hentie Martens fresh off inking a one-year contract extension through to the end of 2027.

“It got sprung onto me; one day I walked in and chatted with Les, and he walked me through that the club wants me to stay for another couple of years. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else in Australia,” Martens said.

“[Having dad] has definitely helped, just with a couple of key areas looking for space, thinking at different times of the game – it just helps having him in my corner.”

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Martens’ retention will fill the void left by Louis Werchon, who has signed a two-year deal with Benetton to begin at the end of the Super Rugby campaign, having been stuck behind Wallabies’ halfbacks Tate McDermott and Kalani Thomas in Queensland.

Werchon partook in a seven-game secondment with the Italian outfit through their partnership with the Reds, impressing with his vision and speed while there, but refusing to rule out a return to Australian rugby.

“I’m a Queenslander and I want to be a Wallaby. There are two Wallabies [at the Reds] and I hope to be a third Wallaby down the track,” Werchon said.

“I really did love it over there, it’s a completely different game I find, especially as a nine – two phases, and you’re box kicking, and then another two phases, and you’re box kicking again.