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Reds 2016

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RedsHappy

Tony Shaw (54)
There will only ever be one Dismal Pillock.

As the Graham family stand in awe.

Preparing their son for pastures new.
 

Lance Free

Arch Winning (36)
I've never really rated Douglas. Solid for sure, but not a game changer. Can't see how he's any different (or superior) to Horwill, for example at international level.

Noting he played 20 matches and injuries notwithstanding, the fact that he couldn't make it at Irish provincial level (which is well below Super Rugby standard) probably reinforces that view.

Reasonable buy for the Reds in the circumstances.
 
T

Train Without a Station

Guest
I think you're a bit harsh Lance.

He's a quality Super Rugby role player. Capable of filling that role to the level required in a top performing team too. He's just not superstar that many make him out to be.
 

RedsHappy

Tony Shaw (54)
Not even worth it

Indeed. Paying out c.$230,000 as a contract break fee to get KD back when (a) the ARU cannot even begin to fund the grass roots properly and (b) where the ARU said it would never consider paying the equivalent to get QC (Quade Cooper) out of his Toulon contract, is both inexplicable as a policy precedent and economic madness when KD's actual playing and crowd-pulling value are objectively assessed.

But when was consistency and carefulness re its policies a strong suit of our ARU?

Mind you, the Douglas payment is probably but a fraction of what it cost the ARU to deal with and silence Di Patston.
 

neilc

Bob Loudon (25)
I would really hope that no Australian rugby body paid money to Leinster. If a guy chooses to get out of his contract early then that is entirely his issue and any costs should be borne by him. It's amazing how many of these athletes across multiple sports go overseas and then 'miss family etc' so want to come home. Didn't they consider that when they left in their blaze of glory?

I tend to agree that Douglas is a capable Super Rugby player but nothing amazing and the fact that he has struggled to adapt to the game in Ireland (supposedly to the 'physicality of it' which is a concern) and been out injured isn't exactly reassuring. If Matt O'Connor is coming to coach the Reds I wonder what his view will be about having Douglas again after Leinster.
 

Brumby Runner

David Wilson (68)
I'd be wary of taking a report from Ireland as gospel. Unless that was the deal - here's your top-up, pay Leinster, Reds can pay your salary. We don't really know.

True @Cyclopath, but that doesn't mean that it isn't completely unwarranted if true. Pity there isn't a bit of transparency and accountability for decisions that may or may not be being made in Aus rugby atm.
 
T

Train Without a Station

Guest
I have no problem on principle with the concept of the ARU paying for releases. If they feel the player is worth signing and the cost of the release does not increase the total cost of the player above what the initially perceived his value to be to them, then play on.
 

Scoey

Tony Shaw (54)
I have no problem on principle with the concept of the ARU paying for releases. If they feel the player is worth signing and the cost of the release does not increase the total cost of the player above what the initially perceived his value to be to them, then play on.
There's a line TWAS and you just fucking crossed it.
Sound reasoning and logic has absolutely no place in such discussions.

Hang your head in shame.
 

cyclopath

George Smith (75)
Staff member
I'm not sure he'll have the option to forget about Test rugby this year, given he is still in rehab after injury. Hardly going to have a chance to press for selection anyway, and Cheika doesn't look inclined to select from the sick bay.
I'm happy to see Douglas back in Oz rugby - a very good Super player when fit and motivated (Cheika rated him a lot for his grunt work). He's young, and I think there is upside with him for higher honours if he has the right guidance and oversight, so let's hope the Reds have that sorted! ;).
His decision to leave was made in difficult times for him and seems, in hindsight, not what he really wanted.
 

RedsHappy

Tony Shaw (54)
I'd be wary of taking a report from Ireland as gospel. Unless that was the deal - here's your top-up, pay Leinster, Reds can pay your salary. We don't really know.

The report had the vibe of genuineness to me and went on to quote the club itself as saying a 'suitable arrangement' had been made to release KD after they had openly stated they would require material compensation to release the player.

Again, let's recall the ARU said openly that they would not pay any contract release fee for QC (Quade Cooper) re Toulon and further said this was a matter of principle.
 

cyclopath

George Smith (75)
Staff member
The report had the vibe of genuineness to me and went on to quote the club itself as saying a 'suitable arrangement' had been made to release KD after they had openly stated they would require material compensation to release the player.

Again, let's recall the ARU said openly that they would not pay any contract release fee for QC (Quade Cooper) re Toulon and further said this was a matter of principle.

The ARU said they were looking to support his return to get him to the Reds - I guess a top-up of some sort. Maybe that went to pay Leinster, and maybe some came out of Douglas' pocket as well, who knows? And we don't know what figure was really paid, other than someone speculating on a range.
If they're paying over and above any top-up or contract to get him out of the Leinster one, I would completely agree that is questionable behaviour, in light of previous utterances.
 

matty_k

Peter Johnson (47)
Staff member
I'm pretty sure it is more that his circumstances have changed that is driving this decision.
His fiancée wants to have their kid near her family in Brisbane instead of in the UK and he obviously wants to be with them.
I'm pretty sure having a child wasn't on his mind when he made his decision to move.
Also when he was interviewed about his move to the UK his original intention was to return to the Waratahs so that just adds to that this is about family more than a regret to move to Leinster.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
 
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