Reds captain-in-waiting Izack Rodda has welcomed the commitment the next generation has made to Queensland's program as they look to return to the Super Rugby finals.
Rodda announced his own re-signing with the Reds through until the end of 2023 just before the World Cup, the announcement among a flurry of long-term commitments for the franchise.
Along with Wallabies teammates Taniela Tupou (2023), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (2022), Jordan Petaia (2022) and Liam Wright (2021), a new generation has pledged their future to Queensland a Rodda is among those who believe something special is brewing.
"It's good to see a lot of young guys put their hand up for those four-year contracts and commit to staying around Queensland and the Reds for the next four years," he said.
"It's good to build depth and consistency in our group. They're just going to get better and better and we're just going to gel with those combinations and I'm pretty excited to see what the future holds.
"There's a lot of enthusiasm and energy around the group and we're full of a lot of young guys and a few old guys that just want to learn and get better which is what you need in a rugby team."
Rodda welcomed Thursday's announcement of Scott Wisemantel as Wallabies attack coach, along with the recent naming of Dave Rennie to take over from Michael Cheika.
"I heard he got the job today and it's exciting for him and exciting for the Wallabies," Rodda said.
"I haven't had much to do with him yet but it'll be cool to see what he does for the program.
"I haven't had much to do with (Rennie) yet but I've seen his coaching resume and what he's done around the world and he's a world-class coach and it'll be cool to see what he comes in and brings to the Wallaby program moving forward."
Rodda and his Reds teammates have been taking part in a training camp on the Gold Coast this week and mingled with members of the public at the Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators club following a training session on Thursday afternoon.
"It's great to give back to the community and the younger generation of rugby," he said.
"Days like this are really valuable for them and us as well. For us it's good to give back to the younger community and to help them out any way we can."
Rodda has returned to pre-season training ahead of schedule this week before heading on the Wallabies' version of the Reds to Regions tour to Cairns and Port Douglas with Tupou next week.
Salakaia-Loto and O'Connor will head to Townsville, Charters Towers and the Burdekin region, while Jordan Petaia and Chris Feauai-Sautia will visit the Scenic Rim, visiting clubs and community organisations as well as working on properties with local families battling the drought as they raise funds for Rural Aid.
