The Queensland Rugby Union is pleased to announce the re-signing of Dre Pakeho, one of Australian rugby’s brightest centre prospects.
Australia’s 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Rookie of the Year will continue his development under a new two-year deal for 2027-28.
Pakeho, 21, demonstrated his strengths with a standout display in Perth on Saturday when an emerging Queensland Reds line-up, aged 18 to 21, won the Super Rugby Next Gen trophy.
It was another worthy milestone for Pakeho, who has developed his skills with aplomb since his full Reds debut at just 19 against Wales in July, 2024.
He has racked up 17 caps for the Reds, including 12 in Super Rugby Pacific when called on last year at inside and outside centre.
“I feel at home at Ballymore. That’s a big thing because I want to show up every day for work,” Pakeho said of his new contract.
“Nearly every week, I’m learning and asking questions beside (Wallaby centre) Hunter Paisami and the coaches. Getting that experience and playing the games I have so early in my career is crucial.
“Adding some extra weight has helped me play a more physical game. With games behind me, my confidence has gone up in trusting what I can do.
“The Reds have shown they want me, my family is in Brisbane and it was a pretty easy decision for me.”
Pakeho, who has built his frame to a powerful 102kg, said playing in the Next Gen series has been a valuable springboard into 2026.
The 57-17 win over the Western Force Next Gen team on Saturday completed a 3-0 sweep of the series for the trophy.
“You want to be getting 80 minutes to get your game time up. We came out with a bang (21-0 after 11 minutes) after some slow starts earlier in the series,” Pakeho said.
“It was good playing beside boys of a similar age. I went out to enjoy myself and passing down some experience was important to me because I’ve felt the benefits of that myself.”
Pakeho’s breakout 2024 season included a Hospital Cup grand final triumph with Brothers.
Pakeho was eight-years-old when his family moved from New Zealand to Brisbane. He attended Wavell State High and Bray Park State High before rugby polish was added at Churchie, Brothers Colts and the Buildcorp Reds Academy.
Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said Pakeho was a strong example of the successful pathways nourishing Queensland rugby.
"Dre has stepped for us since his debut against Wales. He's been versatile, he's been very coachable, he works on the range of his skills and there is still plenty of potential there to develop," Kiss said.
"He's a great example of how the Reds Academy continues to work to strengthen Queensland and Australian rugby."
Position: Centre
Height: 181cm
Weight: 102kg
Born: 20/01/2005
Place of birth: Sydney
Senior Club: Brothers
School: Anglican Church Grammar School
Junior Club: Pine Rivers Pumas
Queensland debut: 2024 v Wales, Brisbane
Queensland caps: 17
Queensland points: 15 (3 tries)
