Wallabies hopeful explains switch from Brisbane Broncos to Queensland Reds
“When I made the switch I didn’t really look back, I wanted to play for the Reds. “That was my new goal and I kind of left the league behind.
“I enjoyed it a lot and I think it was something different from what I’ve always known playing in the league.”
Crichton will join the 15-man squad once his upcoming season with the Sydney Roosters concludes and begin preparations ahead of their home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
The Wallabies are currently short of inside center options, with Len Ikitau currently on leave at Exeter and Hunter Paisami weighing up his future. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has also been moved out of the Waratahs’ centre.
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But Pakeho, who Paisami said has “definitely put his hand out” for Test selection, is adamant he can make his own statement on the international stage as he competes with Paisami and Josh Flook for a place in the Reds’ squad.
“According to me [Crichton’s addition] “There is good competition, it keeps everyone on their toes and it will make it more competitive and people will be hungrier to get there,” said Pakeho, who represents the Junior Wallabies at the Under-20 World Championship.
“Absolutely, of course [the Wallabies] It’s something I always look for, especially being around Hunter and Flooky. Maybe one day I can be there too, I hope I can be there soon. That’s what I always aim for.”
Pakeho showed impressive signs in his first Super Rugby season last year, making 12 appearances and being named the competition’s Rookie of the Year.
Among these achievements was his remarkable performance against All Blacks sensation Rieko Ioane in the Reds’ 35-21 win over the Auckland Blues.
That night, playing outside centre, he rushed for 58 metres, including a clean break, and his 14 tackles without a miss kept Ioane just 24 running meters from five carries.
“I feel like it is,” Pakeho said when asked if this incident made him feel like he belonged at that level.
“But at the same time it was just another game for me. I really enjoyed that match; especially going up against him, watching him on TV I wanted to be like him, so it was quite a surreal moment.”
