Cohesion is at the heart of any good rugby team and a flash of the eyes might be enough to connect in a key moment. Just ask Kalani Thomas.
The classy Queensland Reds halfback will again be a key figure in Friday night’s big match-up against the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium.
His polish adds extra attacking edge in every game whether it’s a run from the ruckbase, a contestable box kick, a clever grubber or 50 well-grooved passes to his supports.
Take last Saturday night against the ACT Brumbies as an example.
A neat pass gave Harry McLaughlin-Philips a headstart to make a 35m run.
On half-time better was to come. A grubber ahead was seized perfectly at head-height over the tryline by centre Josh Flook for a slick dot down in the greasy conditions.
It was no random stab.
“I just tell him…'if I see your eyes',” Thomas explained of looking for a cue.
“It’s like he knows what I’m going to do and I know what he’s going to do. Yeah, it’s always like we are on the same page. That takes time to build up and it comes back to the combos you develop in a team.
“’Flooky’ is always looking to score a try and I’m always looking to set one up. It works out well.”
It’s only one of the combinations clicking for the Reds.
The backrow of Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and Joe Brial operates as a unit. Centres Flook and Hunter Paisami are revelling after injuries and suspensions reduced their time together in 2025.
Flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is working smartly with his halfbacks where the game control comes off No.9 and No.10.
Bench backs Louis Werchon and Carter Gordon have an understanding from their Sunshine Coast days.
At lock, Lukhan Salakai-Loto and Seru Uru have built more and more together over the past six weeks.
“Seeing Lukhan and Seru playing for big minutes and really finding their feet together has been really pleasing over the past six weeks,” said Reds assistant coach Zane Hilton.
“Cohesion is critical, isn’t it?
“We have been very lucky over a number of years that the players that are playing through the spine of our team have played a lot together.
“Guys like Flooky and Hunter look like they are playing in the backyard together such is the understanding they have.”
Thomas is excited for what is in store on Friday night.
“It’s good to have back-to-back home games. We have this awesome challenge against the Chiefs, who we have built a good rivalry with over the past few years,” Thomas said.
“The Chiefs have a lot of strikepower. Their back three is pretty dangerous and they have Damian McKenzie running the show with Xavier Roe (at halfback).
“There are not a lot of rounds left before finals. We are super-excited to rip in on Friday night.”
