Queensland Reds re-sign key trio The retention of prop James Slipper has been well received Source: The Courier-Mail WALLABIES Liam Gill, James Slipper and Rob Simmons have re-signed with the Super Rugby franchise despite Ewen McKenzie's looming departure. The three have signed two-year deals in a shot in the arm for Queensland ahead of Saturday's qualifying final clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch. Prop Slipper, flanker Gill and lock Simmons did not consider rival offers, saying they were more than comfortable with the set-up under Richard Graham who will take control when coaching director McKenzie moves on after the Super Rugby final campaign to his new role as Wallabies coach. The three players boast a combined 154 caps for Queensland and 73 Tests for Australia. "To secure their services for a further two seasons is significant for our rugby program and they'll have major roles to play as we move forward together as a group," Graham said. Slipper marked his 50th game for Queensland as captain in their grinding 14-12 win over the NSW Waratahs last weekend in the absence of injured leaders James Horwill and Will Genia who return against seven-time champs the Crusaders. "There is a very good culture and I'm really looking forward to what is in store over the next two years," Slipper said. Not only do I love playing for Queensland, but also with my teammates here and that was a major motivation to re-sign.