Queensland have kick-started their player retention program by re-signing the Faingaa twins for the next two Super rugby seasons.

Hooker Saia Faingaa and inside centre Anthony Faingaa have been two of the biggest success stories under new coach Ewen McKenzie as the Reds have enjoyed a Super 14 resurgence in 2010.

The Canberra-born brothers were among 23 Reds coming off contract this year, leaving Queensland in a vulnerable position with Super 15 expansion franchise Melbourne Rebels looking to poach players.

McKenzie said the Faingaas, bench players in 2009, had made the most of their opportunities on the training paddock in the pre-season and on the field.

"We want to reward performance and both Anthony and Saia are giving us what we want," McKenzie said. "As a result we were keen for them to be part of our future plans.

"By re-signing through to 2012 they obviously recognise what we have going here and want to be part of it."

Saia Faingaa, who has replaced veteran Sean Hardman as starting rake, said re-signing was an easy decision with the Reds promising a fine future.

"The way we're going it wasn't (a hard decision)," he said.

"Being part of building a new team and a new culture is exciting for us and we want to continue with it."

"We also jumped at the opportunity to be able to stay together. It's a great honour to be able to start in a Super 14 match and for us to be in the starting team together makes it even better."

The Faingaas, captain and vice-captain of the victorious Australian U19 world championship team, debuted for the Brumbies in 2006 and 2007 but had never started in the same team until the round two upset of the Crusaders last month.

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