Tim Ryan had a bet with his mates he'd still be playing for Brothers in 2024.
What a difference 12 months makes.
Ryan cemented his standing as one of the brightest prospects in Australian Rugby after taking out the Rookie of the Year Award at the Rugby Australia Awards on Wednesday.
Before he had a chance to settle into his seat, the Reds winger was quickly back up on stage to claim Try of the Year for his solo effort against the Blues.
“It’s crazy. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” Ryan said to reporters after the pair of awards. “To hear my name get called is pretty surreal.
“I had a lot of family and friends in the crowd that night (for the try) so that’s one of the best memories I’ve got.
“I get a lot of recognition for these tries but you probably don’t see all the work that happens inside and I’m just the guy that finishes it off.
"I came into my first pre-season with the Reds prepared with the playing group and coaching staff. My mentality is just to go into it like it’s just any other game. I don’t listen to the outside noise."
Ryan was an unknown prospect outside of Queensland Rugby circles heading into 2024 but was quick to rocket up the depth charts.
He crossed for nine tries in six starts to suddenly emerge on Joe Schmidt's radar.
“It’s crazy honestly. I’m pretty sure I made a bet with one of my mates saying I was going to be in Brothers this year and he had more confidence than me," Ryan said.
“To go from that to then having conversations with the Wallabies coach it’s pretty crazy. A little bit of a blur.”
Injury prevented the 21-year-old from showcasing his talent on a higher scale, whether that be Wallabies or Australia XV.
He'll take a conservative approach to be right for the Reds' tour of Europe with an eye towards pressing his claims for the 2025 Lions tour.
“I’ve had a few conversations and meetings with Joe (Schmidt) and he’s been very clear with my progress," Ryan added.
“I’m coming off an injury this year so the focus is to aim for that Reds pre-season which is great clarity from Joe.
“I want to rip into next season with the Reds and you never know what happens from there.”
