Powerhouse Queensland prop Massimo De Lutiis recognised by Wallabies coaching staff

Uncapped Queensland Reds prop Massimo De Lutiis is the selection bolter in a 40-man Wallabies training squad that will gather in Sydney next month for a three-day camp.

De Lutiis, 21, is yet to make a Super Rugby Pacific appearance but has played for the Reds against Wales, Tonga and Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights.

He also represented an Australian XV combination against England A last month.

De Lutiis’ strength is renowned around Ballymore, with the 126kg front-rower having benched pressed 202.5kg in April to beat the previous Reds record of 200kg that had been sent by Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou in 2020.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the January 8-10 camp would include a review of Australia’s performances in 2024 and a “glance” at next year’s schedule, including the July-August British and Irish Lions tour.

“It’s also a chance for the Wallabies performance and medical staff to facilitate testing before the players from (this year’s) spring tour (of the UK and Ireland) officially restart with their Super Rugby Pacific sides,“ Schmidt said.

“As well as those in camp, it’s great to see a number of players coming back from injury and others who did well for the Australia XV team, who we are looking forward to watching during the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.”Reds flanker Liam Wright, who captained the Wallabies in a Test against Wales this year, wasn’t selected as he continues to recover from a shoulder reconstruction.

The squad also doesn’t include overseas-based trio Will Skelton, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete.

Wallabies training squad: Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Massimo De Lutiis, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, James Slipper, Carlo Tizzano, Taniela Tupou, Seru Uru, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson. Backs: Ben Donaldson Tane Edmed. Josh Flook, Jake Gordon, Len Ikitau, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Nic White, Tom Wright.