Waratahs 2021
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eastman
Arch Winning (36)
Agreed. It addresses an existing hole in the squad (actual threatening ball-runners) and is a low- risk and cheap signing - if he slips up/ doesn't perform you get rid of him.
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Adam84
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
I'm not quite sure, he never really 'cracked' it in the NRL, yes he played very well in the Queensland Cup and was destined for more NRL caps, but he never cemented himself as a NRL player to warrant NRL clubs chasing him again.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
Maybe - but then again maybe not. The Tahs have thrown him a lifeline, so maybe he’ll settle in there if they do a good job with him. He is young enough to potentially play at least 5-6 years with them if all goes well.
In the meantime he does provide the Tahs with some strike power that they don’t have without without compromising their defensive capability and, if nothing else, fills a hole while their young brigade develops. I think he & Walton could be quite a good centre pairing. With Ramm & Maddocks outside them there is some genuine threat in the backline. If Gordon & Harrison can both come along from last year there is a lot to like about the Tahs backline if people are prepared to give them some time to gel/develop.
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
It's probably an easier route for him to become a starting Super Rugby player/ fringe Wallaby then a consistent NRL first grader at this stage - which may be enough to keep him in Union (not necessarily at the 'Tahs or in Australia though).
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
It's pleasing to see a potential backline without the names Newsome, Clarke or Foketi in the starting side.
The Honey Badger
Jim Lenehan (48)
Surely they could write a "First right of refusal" clause into a the 2022 year in order to prevent that.
Derpus
George Gregan (70)
Depends what his issues are. Mental illness sticks with some people for life.
Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
I know other players have had drug issues which were more using to stuff to deal with expectations, pressure, depression, etc. that’s not ideal, but understandable to a degree. According to the article he was procuring a large amount of mdma and cocaine. Which means you’re looking to deal, or go on a massive bender. Neither a good option when you’re other option is getting paid good money to do what you’ve wanted to do since you were a kid. Not many of us get that opportunity. I guess that could be seen as a cry for help also. Who knows? Let’s hope he has left that stuff behind him and plays some good rugby and slays his demons.
KiwiM
Trevor Allan (34)
we don't even know who the captain is
Pass it to Dunning!
Bob Loudon (25)
That's a good point. I'm trying to think who has the seniority and the guaranteed starting gig who could be captain. Dempsey?
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
I worry for Tahs as lacking depth in key positions across the board and many unknowns with unproven players who will be given backline spots. Moeroa not had game time to prove he is super rugby quality despite last game in Super Rugby Au where performed ok (1 game is hardly proof he is super rugby standard)...wing cover continues to remain concern with only proven wing performer being Ramm....while if Walton gets injured worry on the cover here...Foketi and Newsome not what we want to see in staring 13 position.
And then there is forwards where had so many departures...how we will go in lock department with complete new list of locks is unknown....while Hooper could prove huge loss to cover this season with Tizzano and Gamble likely to cover and unknown potential.
I like that option but get the impression it will be Gordon