Tim Ryan stars against the Highlanders, as incoming Wallabies coach hints a Test rise beckoned

He even did well to take a shot on Highlanders center Timoci Tavatavanawa, who almost certainly would have scored had it not been for Ryan’s involvement, and he did so at less than his physical best; Kiss claimed that he was treating a stomach illness that left him feeling ill during halftime.

“We would have liked him to have a little more energy off the ball at times, but I thought he really stepped up for us tonight. For such a young guy, he’s only been out for two games but there’s more in him,” Kiss said.

“He knows that, he really puts his head down, he gets what he needs to do to become a better player at this level and to be able to reach higher levels. But he’s willing to work hard and I think he’s getting some return from that.”

Ryan was superbly supported in the backline by outside center Josh Flook, whose short passing play and striking awareness stood out in three of the Reds tries.

Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii’s move to No. 13 at the Waratahs may be an indication of where he fits into the Wallabies squad, but the 24-year-old Queenslander looks set to do his best to prove he is guaranteed a chance to add to his six Test caps.

Is Gordon the answer?

Carter Gordon’s debut with the Reds was a mixed bag and left questions about who would replace Kiss in the fifth-eighth spot.

Having missed the start of the season with a leg problem, the returning Wallaby rarely took the game by the scruff of the neck, but became involved in the contest as it went on.

An early crooked shot right off the side of his boot ultimately did no harm to his side, while his powerful tackler aimed straight at Tavatavanawai, forcing Queensland into an error to go deep in attack.

Reds hooker Matthew Faessler would score from a rolling strike shortly afterwards. By the second half, Gordon’s play seemed more consistent; Back-to-back efforts following a goal from Highlanders No.8 Lucas Casey allowed his team to regain some momentum.

His defense has also been aggressive as he looks to fend off a challenge from fellow Test star Tom Lynagh, who could return next week with hamstring problems.

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It was always going to take time for Gordon, who spent much of 2025 sidelined with a spinal fluid leak suffered during his time in rugby league with the Gold Coast Titans, to regain the poise that propelled him to the Wallabies’ jump at the 2023 World Cup.

While parachuting into last year’s Spring Tour back in the union, he suffered a broken nose, broken wrist and torn quad, limiting his participation. But Kiss was confident that the building blocks put in place Friday would be a launching pad to greater success.

Kiss said of Gordon: “A couple of tackles and a couple of passes and kicks were definitely not right, as he admitted, but I thought he added a really cool head.”

“He gave us direction, made sure the forwards felt as prominent as possible. He’s definitely brave, but I think all our 10 are very brave, they all want to put their bodies on the pitch.”

“He played strong and physical and that’s important. He was really happy with the hit he got, it was his first time with us so it wasn’t complete but it was good and strong.”