There were fears the Wallabies would be broken. One wants to ‘take control’

Any fears Australia’s massacre at the Rugby World Cup would derail the rise of several young players were emphatically put to bed by Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler.

“I’d definitely go the other way,” he said defiantly. “I don’t think it’s disheartened anyone.”

there were fears the wallabies would be broken. one wants to ‘take control’

Queensland Reds and Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler has emphatically denied he and his young teammates would be broken by the World Cup debacle.

As the Queensland Reds returned to preseason training, Faessler reflected on his maiden experience in the green and gold jumper – a campaign which no doubt began with such excitement but quickly turned into a fiasco.

For the first time in the code’s history, the Wallabies failed to qualify for the finals – the fallout triggering widespread change by Rugby Australia, with coach Eddie Jones leaving less than 12 months into his five-year tenure.

It followed a winless Rugby Championship, with RA chairman Hamish McLennan ousted from his role, Daniel Herbert taking over the role, and Peter Horne appointed as a new director of high-performance as the hunt for Jones’ successor hits overdrive.

The likes of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh – whose son, Tom, looms as a long-term Reds prospect at flyhalf – expressed concern the young side brought to France, at the expense of veterans such as Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper, would be scarred for the years to come.

But Faessler, who after just 27 Super Rugby appearances garnered five national caps, declared he and his teammates would not be deterred, and last season’s failures would mark the dawning of a new era for the once proud jersey.

“I think it’s lit the fire and invigorated everyone to see what the standard is and what we need to live up to,” Faessler said.

“The results of last year have definitely lit a fire in the belly of myself and a few of the other guys that I’ve spoken to on how we want to drive and sort of take control of that going forward.

there were fears the wallabies would be broken. one wants to ‘take control’

Matt Faessler carries the ball on debut.

“I’m really stoked with the exposure and grateful for the opportunity granted to me. A lot of hard lessons were learned and a lot of things that I can bring back to Queensland.

“But my focus is more looking towards this year, what we can build in Queensland.”

Faessler’s optimism for the Wallabies future has made him determined to now prove he has earned his position, regardless of who takes the reins.

The search is expected to be conducted worldwide.

Yet having now experienced the elite environment, Faessler would not be drawn on the traits or characteristics he felt were needed to spearhead the outfit’s revival.

“I’m very much the new kid on the block,” he laughed. “Whatever everyone else says goes, I’ll jump at whatever.”

For Faessler to become a genuine Wallabies regular, the 25-year-old will need to re-earn his Reds’ jumper under new coach Les Kiss.

Having been plucked from Brisbane’s club rugby scene by former mentor Brad Thorn, Faessler – according to Kiss – will have no guarantee of his spot ahead of Richie Asiata, Max Craig and Josh Nasser.

there were fears the wallabies would be broken. one wants to ‘take control’

Matt Faessler at Wallabies training.

But Kiss believed the Wallabies rookie possessed a trait unique to many in Super Rugby.

“It’s probably unfair thing to say he’s a late bloomer, but he was, he came through later. But I think he’s gained the benefit of coming through the club system,” Kiss said.

“He didn’t come through the traditional academy systems, so he brings his own form of experience and I think he actually appreciates that and finds gratitude for the fact that he came from that space.”

Get the inside word on the news, sport, food, people and places Brisbane is talking about. Sign up for our City Talk newsletter here.

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Disrupt Burrup protesters searched and phones seized

Disrupt Burrup Hub group say police have issued move-on notices prohibiting access to the WA site. A group of climate activists and filmmakers say their phones have been seized during ... Read more »

The generation driving a ‘megatrend’ of poor mental health in Australia

As individuals, we have unique experiences that affect our mental health and wellbeing, but what about the collective experiences that influence each generation? The mental health of Australians has been ... Read more »

Geraldton meatworks set to reopen after five years in bid to meet chilled meat demand from Asia, Middle East

Syed Ghazaly wants to see the Geraldton abattoir reopen early next year to process 1,000 sheep a day. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) The new owners of a mothballed ... Read more »

Blues seek ‘growth’ as pre-season begins; new Hawk aims to be AFL’s serial pest

Carlton coach Michael Voss says he and his players understand there are heightened expectations on them, but insists the Blues are ready to develop individually and in their game plan. ... Read more »

Bulldogs continue signing frenzy with swap deal

The Bulldogs’ off-season signing frenzy is set to continue with the club reportedly set to land Cronnor Tracey in a swap deal. The Sydney Morning Herald reports Tracey is expected ... Read more »

Customers to weigh in as Optus disruption comes under microscope

Consumers and impacted businesses are being urged to have their say on the Optus outage, with the federal government laying out the terms of reference for its review into the ... Read more »

Released detainee unable to be contacted by authorities

It has been revealed a released immigration detainee is unable to be contacted by authorities. Border Force has referred the matter to the Federal Police as authorities are attempting to ... Read more »
Top List in the World