Sport
17 October, 2026
Elite role for rugby teen
FROM the Cassowary Coast Chargers Junior Rugby Union fields to pulling on an Australian jersey, 17-year-old Jack Calleja has carved out one of the region’s most inspiring rugby stories, capped off with signing a two-year contract with the Queensland Reds elite development squad.
It’s a milestone built on resilience, talent and sheer determination.
Now in his final year boarding at Ipswich Grammar School, Calleja said the school community played a crucial role in his comeback.
“Missing last year with an ACL injury was challenging and they helped with my mindset,” he said.
“As a result, I’ve developed both as a player and on a personal level.”
The proud Innisfail product is eager for the next chapter.
“I’m looking forward to honing my skills in the high performance environment at Ballymore and learning heaps from high calibre locks like Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia Loto,” he said.
“They’ll be fantastic role models.”
Queensland Reds head of talent management Paul Carozza praised Calleja’s attitude and leadership.
“Jack is a talented young lock who possesses a good attitude and great leadership qualities. His resilience to fight back from injuries is a testament to his work ethic, determination and commitment,” he said.
Calleja was first spotted representing Far North Queensland at schoolboys’ level and later Queensland under-15s, entering the Reds pathways soon after.
But 2026 brought another setback after a fractured hand sidelined him for most of the greater public schools’ season.
He made a late return, playing two first XV games off the bench, after previously playing eight games in 2024.
In April, Calleja and fellow Innisfail junior Darnell Staggs helped IGS clinch a thrilling 22–19 Ballymore Cup under-18s grand final win over Sydney Scots College with a last second try.
Then came his biggest honour yet with three matches for the Australian under-18s, first against Australian Schoolboys in Sydney before travelling to Hamilton, New Zealand, to face the New Zealand Barbarians and New Zealand Schools.
“To come from such a low point through ACL surgery in 2025 and then a broken hand this year to return and represent my country is a massive honour,” Calleja said.
“I’m super proud to represent my Innisfail roots and extremely appreciative of the support from the local community.”
Calleja said he has put in the hard work on and off the field and the pathways at the Queensland Reds and Ipswich Grammar School had played a major role in helping him develop both as a player and a person.
His mother Amanda said she never doubted him.
“If Jack decides he wants to do something, it is 100% going to happen,” she said. “I wish I could have been there in person, but I was cheering just as loudly from Darwin River.”