Melbourne's pain is Australia's gain.
That's the brutal but accurate truth of the 2025 landscape as Wallabies captain Harry Wilson predicts a more vigorous challenge to New Zealand's Super Rugby stranglehold.
The talent from five Australian teams has been consolidated into four strengthened squads after the cash strapped Rebels were last year axed from the 12 club competition.
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Rebels players run through a banner at AAMI Park. Getty
Ironically, it was the first season the Rebels had qualified for the playoffs but once again they and other Aussie hopes fell short near the finish line.
Michael Cheika's 2014 Waratahs were the last team to rip the trophy away from New Zealand clutches and an Australian team has not even played in the final since then.
The bookmakers are predicting more of the same, with the Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders and Hurricanes leading the list of 2025 favourites.
Harry Wilson of the Reds charges forward. Getty
But Reds No.8 Wilson is putting his hand up to change the story's ending this year.
"It's awesome to see the depth in all Super Rugby teams this year," Wilson told Wide World of Sports as Queensland prepare for their season opener against Moana Pasifika on February 21.
"The Australian teams, each of the four squads are really strong, and I really hope that there's a few of our teams that go real deep in the finals. I think we can and you look at the Waratahs team, it's unbelievable on paper.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii catches a ball at Waratahs training. NSW Waratahs
"Obviously you've got to gel as a team, which no doubt they will, but I can't wait for round five (against NSW in Brisbane). We've already got that pencilled in the diary.
"I've been into (Waratahs star) Max (Jorgensen) about how they've got the all star team back together."
Indeed, NSW have benefited most from the demise of the Rebels, with Taniela Tupou, Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea and Darby Lancaster all moving to Sydney – as well as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii signing on.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto of the Reds and Tom Wright of the Brumbies scuffle. Getty
The Reds have also recruited heavily from the Rebels with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Filipo Daugunu and Josh Canham big ins.
Wilson is enjoying being one of the boys again at Ballymore after his surprise ascent to Test skipper last year.
Queensland will again be led by co-captains Liam Wright and Tate McDermott – who both skippered the Wallabies before Wilson did.
Australia's Harry Wilson lifts the Ella-Mobbs Trophy following a late victory. Getty
"The boys like throwing a little jab here or there about that, but I genuinely love playing under those two," Wilson said.
"I've played under them for four years now, so that's all I've ever known at the Reds and they're such good leaders, they have such good respect among the group.
"I'm really enjoying just coming back in and worrying about myself and getting back up to speed. They're enormous leaders and we all love playing for them."
Reds co-captains Liam Wright and Tate McDermott. Photo: Brendan Hertel Queensland Reds
Last year was a dizzying reemergence for Wilson, who was not wanted by Eddie Jones for the 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Not only did he win back the gold No.8 jersey under Joe Schmidt, he also became the 90th Wallabies captain when he led Australia against Argentina in August.
Wilson kept the job for the remainder of the season.
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"It was a special year for me personally and I feel as if the team are heading in the right direction," Wilson said.
"The Spring Tour – two wins, two losses – it would have been nice to snag another win, which I think we really could have, and we probably let an opportunity slip against Ireland (22-19 loss).
"But as a group we can feel that we're starting to really gel as a team and are heading in a real positive way."
Harry Wilson talking to media during the Wallabies captain's run at Rugby League Park. Getty
Wilson has also been leaning on some big names to accelerate his leadership journey.
"I've been pretty privileged to be able to speak to many different leaders in different sports," he said.
"In rugby I've been able to speak to John Eales and Michael Hooper and I also really enjoyed speaking to Billy Slater and chewing his ear off. Captaincy is new to me so I'm just trying to take little gems from people like them and learn while also staying true to myself.
Harry Wilson, Alex de Minaur and Max Jorgensen. Wallabies
"You've got to make sure you're performing, you've got to make sure you're leading from the front.
"It's about what you do and that's something which I pride myself on.
"I'm not the biggest speaker compared to other captains, but I really just want to lead by my actions and make sure I'm doing the right thing before I speak."
