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Reds 2021

Silverado

Dick Tooth (41)
So does that mean the story about him wanting to be in QLD closer to family wasn't true or only part true? And if the Brumbies released him on compassionate grounds they should be annoyed?

I'm confused.
I'd say he wanted to be closer to his family before he left and that the compassionate clause was because he wasn't in the main squad and even on as 60% pay cut would save them some dollars
 

Brumby Runner

David Wilson (68)
I have no idea about Blake's situation that saw him released on compassionate grounds, but I'm sure there was a reason that satisfied the Brumbies. He wasn't then on contract next year so it stands to reason that he. or his agent, would have been looking for opportunities. Just when does the English season start? Surely, would be near or after the finish of the upcoming SRAu season, so very understandable that he would take up a good offer over there if one came up. And very understandable that the Brumbies wouldn't stand in his way by insisting on his staying here til the end of SRAu.
 

Jets

Paul McLean (56)
Staff member
I have no idea about Blake's situation that saw him released on compassionate grounds, but I'm sure there was a reason that satisfied the Brumbies. He wasn't then on contract next year so it stands to reason that he. or his agent, would have been looking for opportunities. Just when does the English season start? Surely, would be near or after the finish of the upcoming SRAu season, so very understandable that he would take up a good offer over there if one came up. And very understandable that the Brumbies wouldn't stand in his way by insisting on his staying here til the end of SRAu.

14 August is the plan at this stage.
 

LearningCurve

Bill Watson (15)
I have no idea about Blake's situation that saw him released on compassionate grounds, but I'm sure there was a reason that satisfied the Brumbies. He wasn't then on contract next year so it stands to reason that he. or his agent, would have been looking for opportunities. Just when does the English season start? Surely, would be near or after the finish of the upcoming SRAu season, so very understandable that he would take up a good offer over there if one came up. And very understandable that the Brumbies wouldn't stand in his way by insisting on his staying here til the end of SRAu.

Just seems odd that they wouldn't have just said 'released so that he can take up an opportunity overseas' rather than try to present it as some family issue.
 

SouthernX

Peter Johnson (47)
Just seems odd that they wouldn't have just said 'released so that he can take up an opportunity overseas' rather than try to present it as some family issue.

Compassionate grounds - could very well be something like

Blake: hey I love playing for the brumbies but my (insert family member here) is sick and I am not earning enough to cover her medical bills. Can you allow me to go back to Brisbane to care for her or take opportunity up overseas so I can pay for her ongoing costs.

Don’t really no the backstory and while it does look like a overseas money grab - let’s not pass judgement.
 
B

Bobby Sands

Guest
Even if it is, so what?

He is not good enough to be a Super Rugby starter - has given it a good crack and now wants to go play bog rugby in England which will suit his style.

Good on him as far as I can tell.

Different upside and age profile to say Hockings.
 

Raytah

Allen Oxlade (6)
Even if it is, so what?

He is not good enough to be a Super Rugby starter - has given it a good crack and now wants to go play bog rugby in England which will suit his style.

Good on him as far as I can tell.

Different upside and age profile to say Hockings.

Agree, it probably makes sense for him on a personal level. From a super club/Aus rugby perspective, its hard to stomach the gutting of our lock depth that's happening. You could field a team of Super Rugby squad quality locks signed overseas:
Timani L
Dennis D
Timani S
Skelton W
Arnold R
Coleman A
Arnold R
Hockings
Enever
Coleman
Rodda
Stolberg
Douglas
Fardy
Jones
Pyle
 

SouthernX

Peter Johnson (47)
Overseas cashed up clubs will pay for locks.

You can’t teach height. You either have it or you don’t.

To Segway to the Piccone 3 - What’s scary about Isaac Lucas situation and his departure from the reds is he is just another versatile undersized utility back. He maybe a prodigy in Australia with a bright future but there’s dozens of those guys playing domestically in Europe or Japan. I feel more certain about Harry Hockings getting a payday then I do Isaac Lucas... both will end up getting jobs but Isaac Lucas situation is the one I am watching more closely
 

qwerty51

Stirling Mortlock (74)
Vunivalu with a hat trick already tonight in the NRL. Opposition might not be the best but he’s looked the dominant attacking weapon all night. Definitely want him at the Reds.

I really don't see how the Reds/RA can afford him at 900k.
 

Wilson

David Codey (61)
I thought Michael Stolberg was pretty good for the Sunwolves this year. Would be happy to see him come back to Brisbane to fill one of the lock spots vacated by Rodda/Hockings
 

upthereds#!

Ken Catchpole (46)
I thought Michael Stolberg was pretty good for the Sunwolves this year. Would be happy to see him come back to Brisbane to fill one of the lock spots vacated by Rodda/Hockings

He'd be a good pick up.

He's been in Japan since April 2016. In April 2021 (end of his current contract), he'll be 29 and have done 5 years in Japan. At 204cm and 120kg, I can see him playing a key role for Japan at 2023 WC.
 

PhilClinton

John Hipwell (52)
If the Reds were willing to deal with Picone again, I think they would have a fighters chance of signing Kerevi to some type of sabbatical deal from 2021.

Saw a post about him on the QPR forum and did some further digging, apparently he's really loving it back in Brisbane and the whole COVID19 situation around the world has him reconsidering whether playing in Japan is best, obviously though the money isn't something that RA/QRU could spend and would likely mean letting Vunivalu stay in the NRL.
 

Ignoto

John Thornett (49)
Whats to say in a couple years time, Kerevi won't do the same thing and ask to leave to go to Europe? He needs to realise he's a big boy and decisions have consequences.
 
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