‘Be a little more selfish’: The raw confession poised to unleash two Wallabies

Sydney Morning Herald

by Nick Wright

February 20, 2026

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‘Be a little more selfish’: The raw confession poised to unleash two Wallabies

Tate McDermott, a star player for the Queensland Reds, has opened up about a raw and honest conversation he had with fellow co-captain Liam Wright following the team's fourth-straight quarterfinals exit. These discussions led to a leadership shake-up, with Fraser McReight stepping into the captaincy for the 2026 season. McDermott explained that the Reds had been stuck in a "holding pattern" over the past four seasons, with a tendency to adjust their goals based on their opponents. Recognizing the need to develop more leaders within the team, McDermott and Wright agreed to step back, allowing McReight to take on the captaincy and fostering a stronger collective leadership core. The decision came after McDermott reflected on his four years as co-captain, during which he realized that sharing the burden of leadership could help the team move forward. He emphasized the importance of supporting McReight while focusing on nurturing emerging leaders within the squad. This shift in leadership is seen as an opportunity for both McDermott and McReight to elevate their games. McDermott aims to use this time away from leadership to focus on his physical and mental well-being, with the goal of returning to the field in peak condition. The new leadership structure was tested in the Reds' season-opening defeat to the Waratahs, but former Wallabies captain Harry Wilson remains confident that McReight's leadership will inspire growth within the team. Wilson highlighted McReight's ability to lead by example and praised his potential to bring out the best in his teammates. Meanwhile, McDermott acknowledged the significant role McReight played during their time together at the Reds, noting that his presence was crucial to the team's dynamics. This leadership transition is not just a local story; it has broader implications for rugby union in Australia. The Queensland Reds' approach to developing

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026