Tim Ryan Re-Signs for Reds on Two-Year Deal

The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to announce the re-signing of dynamic winger Tim Ryan for two years through 2028.

Ryan is still just 22 yet has racked up 20 tries in 37 games at a strike rate that few have bettered in Queensland Reds history.

It says much about Ryan’s development as a player that he rates a try-saving tackle against the Blues last weekend at Super Round as highly as many of his tries.

“It’s a really good feeling to sign your first contract but to back it up with a second contract at the same club is something I’m proud of,” Ryan said.

“Obviously, I’m very excited knowing the group of players we have going into the next two years at the Reds and the rest of this season.”

Ryan has added 3.5kg to his frame since he burst onto the scene in Super Rugby Pacific with an eye-catching hat-trick of tries against the Blues in 2024.

The birth of the “Junkyard Dog” as a cult hero that night has never softened Ryan’s mentality to continually chase improvements in his game.

“I definitely feel my game has progressed. Improving my defensive positioning has been one key area and I thank (defence coach) Brad Davis and (fellow winger) Lachie Anderson for their help there,” Ryan said.

“A big tackle can provide so much energy to the team. Honestly, that tackle against the Blues was better than scoring a try.

“Contestable kicks are also so much an area of the game now. Being able to be a menace, I guess, and just making it messy for the opposition to help get the ball back is a big part."

Being a well-rounded finisher earned the former Australia Under-20s winger another step up the representative ladder with Australia A selection and two tries against a Japan XV in Osaka last October.

Reds player #1389 is a proud product of St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe where Director of Rugby Dan Nethery says the winger’s contribution is ongoing.

“He presented his Australia A jersey to the school straight after his return from that game. You couldn’t ask for more from a college graduate with the way he stays connected to the school,” Nethery said.

St Pats kick off the AIC rugby season at home on Saturday against St Peters Lutheran College at Curlew Park where Ryan scored his share of tries.

Ryan is keen for Saturday night’s clash against the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium.

“They are always so strong. You feel the intensity out there against them,” Ryan said.

“They obviously have very fast, skilful backs and you always know the Brums are contesting 60 minutes, 80 minutes, into a game.”

Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said Ryan’s progress as a top-class winger made him a real weapon for the club.

“From the first day I saw him on video, when I came in as Reds coach in 2023, I knew we had a player who was pretty special,” Kiss said.

“I love that he never runs out which is trait I really like in a winger.

“His rise to ‘Junkyard Dog’ status has been fantastic but he’s no flash-in-the-pan. Behind that is a good, solid, young winger who works hard on improving all areas of his game.

“He’s really performed for us in recent games.”

Tim Ryan
Position: Wing
Height: 186cm
Weight: 88kg
Born: 29/10/2003
Place of birth: Brisbane
Senior Club: Brothers
School: St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe
Queensland debut: 2023 v Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, Brisbane
Queensland caps: 37
Queensland points: 100 (20 tries)