Selected to tour with the Wallabies while still a teenager without a Super Rugby cap, Izaia Perese has been given a resounding endorsement by Queensland Reds coach Nick Stiles.
Outside back Perese, 19, was one of four development players named by coach Michael Cheika to join the Wallabies on their grand slam tour to Europe, along with NSW Waratahs flanker Jack Dempsey and fullback Andrew Kellaway and Reds front rower Taniela Tupou.
“He (Parese) is an absolute competitor,” said Stiles.
“The physicality he brings in games, he brings it at training as well and the respect he’s got amongst his peers is incredible for a young player.
“That’s why Michael Cheika’s excited about him and that’s why I’m extremely excited about what he can bring for the Reds. “
Stiles had witnessed firsthand the benefits of taking a gifted youngster away with the Wallabies.
“I was actually on the tour when Matt Giteau was brought along with the Wallabies many moons ago now.
“You saw how good that tour was for his growth as a footballer, as a person.”
The four development players were chosen after impressing in the recent National Rugby Championship and are a good chance for selection in Australia’s tour match against the French Barbarians.
Backrower Dempsey has 10 caps for NSW after making his Super Rugby debut last year, while fullback Kellaway played seven games in 2016.
Prop Tupou has played six times for the Reds.