Queensland's re-signing spree has continued with Test prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen extending his Reds contract ahead of Saturday's clash with the Fijian Drua in Brisbane.
Toomaga-Allen, 34, follows in the footsteps of Wallabies duo Josh Flook and Seru Uru who earlier this week penned one-year extensions at Ballymore.
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With more than 200 first grade games under his belt, Toomaga-Allen’s experience and tutelage of the Reds’ younger props is highly regarded.
However the former All Black and Samoan international - who routinely plays both sides of the scrum - still harbours a strong desire to perform at the top level.
“Being an elder man of the club now, I feel like it’s always good to have that experience around. I see how important it is whether I play or I’m contributing off the field,” Toomaga-Allen told reporters.
“It’s really important to get that camaraderie, the family-type vibe around the team and impart some knowledge and wisdom where I can.
“I really like playing under Les (Kiss) and his management so it was an easy decision. I know my family and I are settled here and like it in Brisbane.
“I’ll also say I’m not here to babysit. I’m here to compete for a starting spot and the best way I can make guys like Zane (Nonggorr) and ‘Mass’ (Massimo De Lutiis) better is to bring my best every week to keep them honest."
Queensland coach Les Kiss hailed the versatile Toomaga-Allen's contract extension as "a major positive for the Reds".
"Jeffery has had an incredible influence, not only on our young props but all our younger players with his professionalism and willingness to share his experiences," Kiss said.
"Personally, I see Jeffery as one of the most generous players I've worked with. It's fantastic to have him on board at the Reds … he's one of those guys that just brings (the locker room) together." Born in Wellington, the 192cm prop played more than 100 games for the Hurricanes - including against the British & Irish Lions in 2017 - before expanding his rugby resume in Europe with Wasps and Ulster.
Toomaga-Allen has since pulled on the Queensland jersey 25 times and is raring for the 26th in an "exciting" battle with the Fijian Drua this weekend.
“Man, it always is against the Drua because of the offloads, the miracle balls, when they come at you with their brand of excitement,” Toomaga-Allen said. “Sometimes, it can feel like a trap that opponents fall into by trying to play that way as well. We have to play our game. It’s a huge challenge as the last game of the round-robin season and that’s what we are excited about."
Kiss echoed Toomaga-Allen's caution, branding Saturday's clash with the Drua as a "danger" game.
"From the last time we played them, we were fairly emphatic about the things we didn't get quite right. We lost the lineout (and) lost momentum in the tackle area," Kiss said.
"We need to be direct, we need to be physical and we need to be defensively committed."
