Queensland's remarkable rugby resurgence has been underlined by a bumper representation in the Wallabies Tri-Nations squad.

In the space of eight months, the Reds have gone from supplying just seven out of 35 players for the Wallaby's 2009 Spring tour, to 10 out of 28 for the upcoming Tri-Nations.

The resurgent Reds have gone from contributing the smallest amount of representatives of the four Australian franchises to the largest.

In another significant shift, Queensland went from supplying six backs and one forward for the Spring tour to having five forwards and five backs in the latest squad.

"It's good to see some players getting recognition. Getting into the squad is important, getting on to the field is the key," Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie told AAP on Thursday.

"It's nice to be recognised as a state that can produce international standard players. The trick is to get as many as you can into the Test team."

In Australia's most recent Test against Ireland, Queensland had just three starters, whereas the other Australian franchises had four.

The Reds contingent in the Tri-Nation squad included three uncapped players, back rower Scott Higginbotham, lock Rob Simmons and inside centre Anthony Faingaa.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was particularly impressed by 21-year-old Simmons.

"Rob is going to be a top lock, there's no two ways about that," Deans said.

Simmons hails from Theodore in Central Queensland where during his breaks from rugby he works on his parents' cattle farm.

Faingaa's selections lifts him from the Australian Barbarians into the senior squad alongside his twin Saia, who made his Test debut at hooker last month.

"It's just been unbelievable times for our family, our parents are so proud and they are hopeful we can all represent Australia," said Anthony, who has another brother Colby, who is in the Australian under-20 side.

Deans said Higginbotham offered the Wallabies versatility in that he can play any backrow position and brings both speed and height.

Higginbotham, who spent much of his early life living overseas in Asia, started off in the Third XV at school.

He was delighted at joining the latest influx of Queenslanders to make the national squad.

"It's great to have so many of the boys come through, because we are a tight group of boys and a good bunch of friends," Higginbotham said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP