Why breakout Reds star missed Wallabies squad, and how another could jump the queue

Joe Schmidt pulled Queensland revelation Tim Ryan aside for half-an-hour on Tuesday night to discuss his future, and revealed what was needed of the tearaway winger to make his Wallabies’ dreams a reality.

Ryan cemented himself in Australian rugby folklore by becoming the first Reds player to score two hat-tricks.

But despite finishing his maiden Super Rugby Pacific campaign with nine tries, he was unable to force his way into a shock Wallabies call-up, beaten by fellow rookie winger Darby Lancaster.

Tim Ryan’s breakout campaign was not enough to garner a call-up into the Wallabies’ squad.

However, ahead of his first series as Wallabies’ coach, Schmidt declared ‘the Junkyard Dog’ was not far off the mark.

“I wouldn’t be averse to bringing him into a squad at all, I just think there’s a window where we can get some physical development into him, just so he’s better prepared,” Schmidt said of the 82-kilogram Ryan.

“We’re trying to make sure that we have got players who are prepared before they come in. A lot of his game sense and a lot of his natural instinctive play is fantastic to watch already.

“He uses speed to score, he comes from long support lines, he goes up in the air over the top of other players, and he chases balls through to score. I showed Tim all those things on Tuesday evening when we were chatting, so he’s a guy we’re interested in for the future.”

While Ryan will have to bide his time to garner a Wallabies jersey, Schmidt declared Reds five-eighth Tom Lynagh had been brought into camp for more than exposure, as he looms as a genuine option to guide Australian rugby’s revival mission.

The 21-year-old piloted the Queensland Reds to fifth in his first full Super Rugby Pacific campaign, showcasing his long kicking game and composed decision-making under pressure.

As the year wore on, the son of Test great Michael Lynagh developed his running game and became a more well-rounded threat, while his combination with inside centre Hunter Paisami – which Schmidt admitted would come into consideration – could loom as his biggest selection drawcard.

Tom Lynagh has demonstrated a level of composure and courageous decision-making beyond his years.

Schmidt will seek to implement an up-tempo brand of rugby when the Wallabies clash with Wales on July 6, and believed Lynagh – who re-signed with Queensland until the end of 2026 – had the tools to contend with rival No.10s Noah Lolesio and Ben Donaldson.

The courage he showed to take down 123-kilogram Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at Tuesday’s training session proved that to the new coach.

“If you want to play with tempo it’s always good to have a 10 who is courageous, will take the line on, has good foot speed [and] has got a good passing game,” Schmidt said.

“I really like his long kicking game. For the size of him, he can put the ball down the field, which some of the time you need to be able to get some oxygen and find some grass.