Emerging Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has committed to Australia beyond next year's World Cup and opted to stay with the Queensland Reds.
The 22-year-old second rower has re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Reds for two more seasons, tying him until the end of 2020.
He is clearly one of the young players national coach Michael Cheika is investing in looking ahead to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Rodda, who broke into the Wallabies side just over a year ago, has won 10 caps.
He has started in the last eight Tests, including all six this year, and appears to be part of Cheika's favoured second row combination along with Adam Coleman.
"Honestly, if you had asked me three years ago where I would be, I wouldn't have said here with the Wallabies," Rodda said.
"It's come very fast but I have loved every moment of it.
"In saying that, I still need to work very hard to keep my spot.
"There's a lot of competition in my position coming through both the Reds and the Wallabies so it's going to keep me on my toes.
"I want to try get in the World Cup squad then cement a spot in the 23, and hopefully win a World Cup."
The NSW Waratahs were reportedly interested in Rodda, who was born and raised on the NSW north coast.
But Rodda has flourished as part of the powerful young Reds pack developed by coach Brad Thorn.
"The Reds gave me my first crack and my first contract," Rodda said.
"I was one year out of school and I haven't really looked back since.
"It's an unreal program that's been growing each year and now that Thorny is the boss, it's just going in the right direction as a club and all the players want to be there to keep growing that great vibe."
Australian Associated Press
