Skipper James Horwill believes Queensland's new culture of success, built out of the pain of six seasons in the Super Rugby cellar, will ensure they retain their rising stars.

Horwill re-signed with the Reds and Australian Rugby Union on a two-year deal on Monday before questioning why anyone would want to leave Ballymore with the former battlers now flying high.

Queensland finished in the bottom three of the competition from 2004 to 2009 before jumping to fifth last year and now are leading at the halfway mark this season following six straight wins.

Wallabies lock Horwill, a World Cup definite, said it was an easy decision for him.

"When you've been through the tough times and you're starting to come good there's no reason why you'd want to leave," the 25-year-old said.

"There's been a lot of hard work that's been put into improving this brand and we're now starting to see some of the benefits.

"By no means are we there yet but I enjoy turning up every day to train and to play and hopefully we see more success on the field as well."

Quade Cooper, Digby Ioane and Ben Daley are the three other Wallabies coming off contract this season and the QRU remain extremely confident of retaining them while they face a fight from the Melbourne Rebels to keep fullback Luke Morahan.

The Reds, who have the bulk of their young squad contracted until next year, also hope success can lure Gold Coast product James O'Connor back from the Western Force.

"We're creating something special both on the field and off the field," said Horwill, who has also been appointed to the QRU board.

"If we can create that environment it will go a long way to keep (the team together)."

Horwill becomes the 14th off-contract Wallaby to re-sign with the ARU this year.

After being the only man to play all 14 Tests in 2009, he missed the entire international season last year following a knee reconstruction but has quickly stamped himself as a Test starter again this year.

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