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4/28/2012
St.George Queensland Reds lose champion halfback Genia to Force
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Queensland Rugby is disappointed it will farewell champion halfback and Reds vice-captain Will Genia at the end of the season, after he agreed to terms with the Western Force.
Genia will be leaving the team he helped to a Super Rugby title in 2011 to join the Perth-based franchise from season 2013.
The 24-year-old is in the midst of his sixth Super Rugby campaign with the Reds and has started every match of the 2012 season since scoring the Reds’ Super Rugby title winning try in the 2011 final at Suncorp Stadium.
Genia has been an integral player and on-field leader for the blossoming Reds side since being plucked out of the U19 Queensland Colts competition to make his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes back in 2007.
He showcased his leadership pedigree when he captained the Reds in the absence of regular skipper James Horwill for almost the entire 2010 season and went on to be awarded consecutive Pilecki Medals for the Queensland Reds Players’ Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011.
Queensland Rugby CEO Jim Carmichael said Genia would leave the Reds at the end of the year with the organisation’s best wishes.
“I believe Queensland Rugby made the best offer we could to retain Will’s services in Queensland, however the opportunity presented to head West was ultimately more appealing to Will,” Mr Carmichael said.
“We wish Will all the best next year at the Force and thank him for all his has given to the Reds and Queensland Rugby during throughout the last six seasons.”
Will Genia
Height: 174cm
Weight: 85kg
Date of Birth: 17/01/1988
Place of Birth: Papua New Guinea
Senior Club: Norths
Queensland Caps: 66
Queensland Points: 58
Queensland Debut: 2006 v Japan
Super Rugby Caps: 65
Super Rugby Points: 58
Super Rugby Debut: 2007 v Hurricanes
Test Caps: 33
Test Points: 25
Test Debut: 2009 v All Blacks
http://www.redsrugby.com.au/NewsEven...8/Default.aspx