Reds center Hunter Paisami, who missed out on selection in the Wallabies' 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will be highly motivated to prove a point in this year's Super Rugby Pacific.
After an injury-plagued season last year that saw him miss out on representing Australia at the World Cup in France, he is ready to make up for lost time.
Paisami put in a solid performance in the Reds' narrow 21-19 loss to Western Force in the Super Rugby Pacific pre-game at Ballymore on Saturday.
Sorry to miss out on the World Cup
“Obviously it was pretty disappointing to be left out and not be selected for the (World Cup) squad, but I'm looking towards bigger and better things to get better on and off the field,” Paisami told reporters. He told the group. Tuesday.
“I'm very motivated and very excited to play my best football for the Reds. (Saturday's trial with the Force) It was a good first hit with a lot of good things and we slowly started and is growing.
“response” [Kiss] The game plan gives us the freedom to play football and have cracks on the field whether we have the ball or not.
“Les has made a huge difference in my game and career this year. He has given me a lot of confidence to go out there and play my game.”
Despite being snubbed for global attention by former Wallabies manager Eddie Jones, Paisami said taking part in the Barbarians' tour of England helped rekindle his love for rugby. .
“Baa-baas was probably one of the best tours of my career so far. It was something.
“I obviously enjoyed playing rugby and I can see why you play rugby, just to enjoy it and enjoy it.”
Paisami is also an excellent offensive player and is expected to be Reds manager Les Kiss' first-choice inside center in the 2024 season.
Keen to emulate former All Blacks star
Paisami spent most of pre-season training in the number 12 position and revealed he enjoys playing in the same position as his rugby hero, former All Blacks star Maa Nonu.
“This is my first full preseason. I've been training full-time with 12 hours (and) 12 hours is probably starting to become my preference…that's what I'm getting comfortable with in training. By the way.”
“(Nonu) is probably one of the best players to ever wear that No. 12 jersey. The way he plays with the physicality he brings and the smarts around the game. He plays with his passing and kicking. I would like to add it to.”
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