The Queensland Reds have continued to lock away their title-winning roster by re-signing veteran forwards Greg Holmes and Van Humphries to one-year deals.

In an otherwise young squad, the retention of prop Holmes and lock Humphries comes on top of this week's signing of 35-year-old Radike Samo to ensure the Reds keep a good mix of youth and experience.

Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie said next year's longer Super Rugby season, which finishes in August after a three-week break in June for international matches, ensured it was crucial to keep their stalwarts.

"It's important to have the right balance of veterans and rookies in your squad and both Greg and Van bring a wealth of experience to the group while they are still playing at a very high level," McKenzie said.

"Next year we'll encounter a longer season again with an August finish and there will be more of a burden on the playing group.

"Having players with this sort of experience will help us see out a potentially more gruelling campaign.

The Reds' most-capped current player with 71, Holmes played a key role in last weekend's Super Rugby final win over the Crusaders by playing the full 80 minutes at tight-head as the replacement for Wallabies front-rower James Slipper.

"All the hard years were tough, but this year has made it all worthwhile and I'm happy to stay in Queensland," Holmes said.

"I've never wanted to leave and if Queensland is happy to keep me, I probably never will. Winning that title is something I never thought would happen and it has made it all the sweeter.

"We've got a really good squad here and everyone is happy. There is no reason we can't win it again and everyone is itching to get out there and go again next year."

Humphries, who debuted for the Reds in 2000 and has had three stints with Queensland, is the oldest player in the squad at 35, six months older than Samo.

With captain James Horwill returning from a knee reconstruction this season to play in the second row alongside Rob Simmons, Humphries had limited chances after recovering from an early year hand injury.

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