Bull Sharks lock Josh Canham has signed a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds.
The 23-year-old leaves behind the disbanded Melbourne Rebels where he played 34 games in the Super Rugby Competition since 2022.
“It’s a weird one. It’s almost like having a little break-up because of the relationships and friendships I had at that club,” Canham said.
“It’s obviously sad but Australia’s other Super Rugby teams are going to be better and also more competitive against Kiwi teams.”
The 202cm backrower will join fellow Bondies, Angus Blyth, George Blake and Zane Nonggorr under Reds’ coach Les Kiss.
Canham had a taste of Queensland Premier Rugby when he played for the Bull Sharks in 2021 while Melbourne was locked down due to Covid 19.
he returned for the back half of the 2023 season and also made a surprise appearance coming off the Bench when the Bull Sharks took on Wests in Round 12.
Bond University Rugby club coaching director Grant Anderson said the permanent move to Queensland was not only a major coup for the Reds but would also help Canham build on his connection at the Bull Sharks.
We are thrilled to have Josh playing his Super Rugby for the Reds,” he said.
“He has been a part of Bond Rugby Club for the last few years and to have him fulltime in Queensland is great.
“Josh has a great skill set and brings size and physicality. He is mobile and excellent in the set piece. We are looking forward to watching him develop his game at the Reds and with Bond Rugby.”
With a strong offload game which ranks in the top 10 across the Super Rugby competition, Canham is progressing to be one of the best young locks in the country and will no doubt be a major asset to the Reds.
Reds GM of Rugby Sam Cordingley was thrilled to secure the services of Canham, believing he can be a point of difference for the club.
“He’s got a strong ball carry but he’s also got a natural offload game,” Cordingley said.
“The lineout is such an important part of the game. Josh is not only a very good lineout caller but a particularly strong reader in defensive lineouts.
“He’s progressing as one of the best young locks in the country.”