Imposing Australia Under-18s lock Jack Calleja has been signed to advance his development with the Queensland Reds in the high-performance environment at Ballymore.
Committing to a two-year elite development squad deal will enable the 120kg Calleja,18, to hone his skills around the Reds squad and have the input of the Buildcorp Reds Academy.
Today's announcement comes while Calleja is on tour in New Zealand with Australia's top U18s as they prepare to play New Zealand Schools in Hamilton on Sunday.
The proud Innisfail product took his first strides in Queensland country rugby with the Cassowary Coast Chargers, Saint Augustine's College in Cairns and at the KDL Property Group Emerging Reds Cup.
He is in his final school year at Ipswich Grammar as a boarder.
His link with the Reds builds on a quality raft of signings from the state's rugby pathways over the past 18 months. The likes of Treyvon Pritchard, Will Ross and Finn Mackay have already made their full Reds debuts or played Super Rugby AUS.
"I'm very proud of my Innisfail background because it's not all that common to come through from a small country town," Calleja said.
"I'm definitely excited about what's ahead. It's a great opportunity to hone in on the skills to really grow my game.
"There's a high calibre of lock at the Reds with guys like Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. They will definitely be good role models. There will be plenty I can learn just being around them in that Reds environment."
"I definitely feel the support of my school at Ipswich Grammar. I've grown as a player and a person there and they've helped me with my mindset because missing last year with a knee ligament injury was tough."
After suffering a broken hand earlier this season, Calleja was back to play two games off the bench for Ipswich Grammar in this year's GPS First XV competition after playing eight games in 2024 when in Year 10.
"Retaining the state's best young talent is always significant and Jack shows a real desire to play for Queensland," said Paul Carozza, the Reds Head of Talent Management.
"Jack has been in our pathways programs since he was spotted representing Far North Queensland at schoolboys level and played for the Queensland U15s.
"He's a talented young lock with a good attitude and leadership qualities. His resilience to fight back from injuries is another sign of his character."
