Nick Bloomfield and George Blake have been re-signed as the Queensland Reds continue to bolster their front-row strength.
The Queensland Rugby Union is today pleased to announce the Queensland pathway products will continue their development as props at Ballymore.
Bloomfield, 22, has made significant strides as a young, athletic tighthead prop and started four of his seven games in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific this season.
Playing 12 times over the past two seasons as Red #1410 is just the start for the 115kg prop who has added 4kg to his frame over that period.
“I had a really good experience this year in terms of understanding what it’s like at Super Rugby level,” Bloomfield said.
“I got to scrum against top Kiwi props like Xavier Numia and Wallabies like Tom Robertson. At Reds training, I get to scrum against a Test prop in Aidan Ross and pick up ideas and techniques.
“It’s all a good wake-up to how much work you need to do to succeed consistently at this level.”
The Churchie product is relishing what is ahead with a two-year deal signed through 2028.
“I know how much it means to play for the Reds and I’m excited to be here for the next two years. The front-row room in general is very competitive at the club and it only makes each of us a better player,” Bloomfield said.
“Often, the best feedback you can get is from the opposition loosehead. Aidan is always direct with his feedback so to get his knowledge all the time is valuable.”
Assistant coach Zane Hilton remains in charge of the scrum with his expertise.
“’Choc’ has set up a clear road map to fix and build areas of my game. One of his strengths is individualising feedback and training for each prop because he understands we all do things slightly differently,” Bloomfield said.
Fellow prop Blake, 25, has re-signed for 2027. He had his most fruitful Super Rugby Pacific campaign in 2026. His role in 11 games at loosehead has built his Reds career to 31 games since his debut in 2023 as Red #1383.
“It was definitely a confidence booster knowing the coaches had that belief in me,” Blake said of the 2026 Super Rugby season.
“This season, I feel I’ve made improvements in getting around the field more for involvements away from doing my job at the set piece.
“I’m real excited to keep playing for the Reds. Queensland is home.”
A product of The Southport School, Blake also singled out teammate Ross and coach Hilton as valuable sources of information for his position.
“You keep learning as a prop. Little things I’ve picked up from Aidan I try to implement into my own game. ’Choc’ has a real focus on doing the little things well to make the big things work.”
Blake was a member of Bond University’s history-making premiership team last year and will be a valuable addition for the Bull Sharks in coming weeks in the Sumo Energy Hospital Cup.
Sam Cordingley, Reds General Manager, High Performance, said strength and depth in the front-row was an essential building block for the Reds.
“Nick and George both show the benefits of years of consistent development through our Queensland rugby system,” Cordingley said.
“Both earned considerable opportunities in Super Rugby Pacific this year and can take that confidence and experience into the future.
“We are delighted to have re-signed two very good young props.”
Position: Prop
Height: 183cm
Weight: 115kg
Born: 10/02/2004
Birthplace: Brisbane
Senior club: Easts
School: Anglican Church Grammar School
Queensland Reds debut: 2025 v Hurricanes, Brisbane
Reds caps: 15
Position: Prop-hooker
Height: 184cm
Weight: 113kg
Born: 11/06/2001
Birthplace: Cook Islands
Senior club: Bond University
School: The Southport School
Queensland Reds debut: 2023 v Western Force, Brisbane
Reds caps: 31
