Tuttle puts pen to paper for 2019

Tue, Mar 6, 2018, 2:00 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Up and coming scrum half James Tuttle has re-signed with the Queensland Reds until the end of 2019. With 20 Super Rugby caps to his name Tuttle has become the first choice number nine previously held by Nick Frisby and Will Genia.

Reds halfback James Tuttle has put pen to paper on a fresh one year deal, keeping him at Ballymore until the end of 2019.

The 21-year-old has established himself as coach Brad Thorn's go to guy at the base of the breakdown, having displaced Nick Frisby as Queensland's first choice halfback halfway through last season.

Pegged as a future Red throughout his schoolboy career at Nudgee College, Tuttle is an astute goal kicker, rounding out a package which has him placed as Queensland's halfback of the near future.

He is a vocal leader both on and off field, a stout defender and boasts a kicking game which compliments his sharp shooting off the tee.Tuttle has taken the reins at halfback. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"Queensland is home and I love nothing more than putting the jersey on, working hard and representing those who have played in it before and playing for the proud people of our state," Tuttle said.

"I’m really happy about the feeling in the squad.

"The guys care about each other and are working hard for each other."

Having racked up 20 Super Rugby caps in a young career, Tuttle shapes as a future leader of the club.Tuttle is a vocal leader on field. Photo: Getty ImagesHe has experience in that department, skippering the Australian U20s, Australian Schoolboys and Queensland Country in recent years.

"I’ve worked with James for a few seasons now with the Under 20s, Queensland Country and the Reds," coach Brad Thorn said.

"He’s an honest, hard working guy who is super competitive and cares about this place.

"He’s still quite young, but he has a senior role in the team so it is great to see him commit to Ballymore for another season as we continue to build."

The Reds host the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEDT, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on RUGBY.com.au radio.

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