The Reds have announced that academy standouts Jono Lance and David McDuling have been signed to the Reds senior squad from 2012.

Lance and McDuling have been upgraded to the fulltime squad on two-year deals that will ensure they remain with Queensland rugby until the end of 2013.

"It's pivotal we continue to reward the performances of those within our system and both Jono and David have impressed the organisation enough to earn upgraded contracts," head coach Ewen McKenzie said.

"Our academy has been a proven pathway for players to develop and take their game to the next level and Jono and David are just another two examples of this."

The 21-year-old Lance was initially signed to the academy in November of 2008 after enjoying a distinguished schoolboy career and has since played for Australia at both Under-20 in 2010 and as part of Sevens squad on the IRB circuit.

The talented playmaker made the most of the opportunity he was given at Super Rugby level in 2011 and was an integral member of the Reds late season campaign after making his debut against the Western Force in Week 17.

Lance appeared in the final four games of the season and was a solid contributor in the Reds semifinal against the Blues and  final against the Crusaders as their starting fullback.

"I've been in the academy for a few years now and my goal was always to stay in Queensland," Lance said.

"To play with the guys at the end of the season was unreal and I'm now really looking forward to next year."

At 196cm and 115kg, Sydney-born McDuling, 22, has been a revelation in the academy after taking up an opportunity in Queensland earlier this year following his efforts as a member of Sydney University's 2010 premiership winning Shute Shield line-up. 

"The way the Reds season has gone this year, I'm very excited to be taking the next step with them and to continue learning off the likes of James Horwill and Rob Simmons," McDuling said.

"It has always been a personal goal of mine to play Super Rugby and hopefully this next contract move will give me an opportunity to realise that.

"When I was making my initial decision earlier this year to be part of the academy, Ewen and Paul Carozza (Academy coach) made it pretty clear that the Reds academy had a really high success rate of guys graduating to the next level. 

"That is a major part of what made coming here so attractive and I've really enjoyed my time in the academy."