McLaughlin-Phillips joins Western Force as Reds bolster locks with Neville signing

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has committed to the Western Force on a three-year deal after departing the Queensland Reds, where a crowded flyhalf depth chart left the 22-year-old with limited room to grow. The move comes as the Reds separately address a lock shortage by signing experienced Wallaby Cadeyrn Neville from the ACT Brumbies.

McLaughlin-Phillips played 11 games for the Reds this season, filling in at flyhalf while Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh battled injury. With teenage playmaker Finn Mackay now earmarked as the club’s long-term option at No.10, the former Junior Wallabies talent has opted to head west rather than wait for an opportunity that may not materialise.

The signing reunites McLaughlin-Phillips with Force head coach Simon Cron, who guided him during last year’s AUNZ clash against the touring Lions. “One of the biggest reasons for signing on is Cronno,” McLaughlin-Phillips said. “He’s a strong, dominant coach. He’s someone who I want to be led by. By committing for three years, that shows I want to be in this team and the Western Force organisation for a long time.”

Cron was equally enthusiastic about landing the young playmaker. “Harry is a brilliant first five-eighth; he manages a game really well and is a triple threat, so keeps the opposition guessing,” the coach said. “He’s been on our radar for a number of years… we think his personality suits our group.”

McLaughlin-Phillips arrives at a Force side where Wallabies hopeful Ben Donaldson impressed at No.10 this season, but the departure of utility back Max Burey opens the door for the newcomer to stake a genuine claim.

Meanwhile, the Reds have moved to shore up their forward depth by bringing in Neville, 37, on a one-year deal. The eight-Test Wallaby previously played 16 games for Queensland a decade ago and arrives from the Brumbies, where he has been a long-serving stalwart. The Reds were left exposed at lock last season after losing Angus Blyth to the Waratahs and another lock to Ospreys, with injuries to Wallabies prospect Josh Canham compounding the problem despite Lukhan Salakaia-Loto’s outstanding form.

The McLaughlin-Phillips deal also continues a busy period of player movement involving Australian talent and Welsh club Ospreys, who earlier this month recruited Liam Wright and Lalakai Foketi, and have now added Waratahs flyhalf Lawson Creighton to their ranks.