Reds 2013

How keen are you timmsy? That's like shooting your load during the entree.

Any rumors off that list reg?

This looks like a list of potential players for the Tahs to target.

Depending on the recoveries of Fitzpatrick and Mitchell, Hanson and Shipperly look like the players to target

Just saw the tweet. Great news.

Of the remaining to resign i suspect one of Shipperly and Davies will go.
Ben Lucas will be interesting. Bit of talk recently he is up there as a wob back-up half back so he may look for a starting opportunity elsewhere.

I would imagine the Reds would want to hold on to Shipperly more than Davies from an injury and cost perspective. While I love the tenacity that Rocket Rod has brought over the last two or so years, his body is definitely paying for it. With the longer seasons and smaller squads I'm thinking that reliability will be a big thing to take into consideration.

I've gotta feel sorry for Benny. He'd be a starter in any other State other than Queensland. From a Reds perspective I hope he stays as his ability to cover 9, 10 and 15 is a huge bonus. But like you've said, there's no real back up to Genia at the Wallabies so the ARU may want Benny to move to a club like the Force or Tahs to be a starter.

Must have been when he'd just watched a replay of the two Force tries.

Maybe at the Force.

With the depth Link has developed, it might be hard to keep talented players such as Quirk, Shipperely, Lucas ect who are either warming the bench or not playing at all.

And the Force must be desperate for some talent.

Need to keep:

James Hanson (with Saia only signed for next year and Anae needing to improve)
Greg Holmes (should be ahead of Daley but for some inexplicable reason is not - covers both sides and absolutely fiercely loyal to Qld)
Ed Quirk (workhorse only getting better and better)
Scott Higginbotham (game breaker)
Will Genia (game breaker when he is on his game + kid magnet)
Ben Lucas (best utility back in OZ - can cover 9,10,12, and 15 - shame he cannot lock down a permanent run-on spot but incredibly important to the team)
Quade Cooper (game breaker and kid magnet)
Ben Tapuai (showing real talent now - great future)
Dom Shipperley (young, talented - can lock down a top spot for years)

? Rod Davies (Rockhampton Rocket - trouble is now a bit injury prone and Shipperly seems a real long-term option for Reds)
? Guy Shepardson (was signed when Weekes moved to the Rebels - new start and all that - no-one saw the quick rise and rise of Slipper)

Agree with Mr Timms re Van and Hynes probably having no contracts in 2013

Is Harris not off contract this year as well? Or does he see out 2013?

about the only province not looking actively to poach from QLD would be NSW. the rest have room to improve there lineups with some of the off-contract Reds players

Now Holmes is playing both sides I would show Shep the door.

From a poaching point of view:

James Hanson - Rebels will be interested, the rest are sorted at hooker.
Greg Holmes - A quality prop who is in the prime of his career. Might be fielding offers from the NH.
Ed Quirk - Rebels might be after him and the tahs might inquire but I dont expect he will be leaving QLD.
Scott Higginbotham - Again the rebels might sound him out but they are rumor to have dave dennis on the way so I dont expect him to leave.
Will Genia - He will get other offers but I expect him to stay.
Ben Lucas - I have a feeling he might be force bound. Hopefully the force have faith in their youth and dont poach him.
Quade Cooper - Who the fuck knows. I think he'll be here for another year.
Ben Tapuai - Already knocked back the rebels once and they would have little need for him now. The force might try and lure him but he's forging a good career with qld.
Dom Shipperley - A prize signing for any team.
Rod Davies - Rocket could be on the move with the emergence of shipperly and morahan taking his wing spot. Back to league maybe?
Guy Shepardson - Link might hold onto him for another year but I'd rather see us get PAE back from the rebels. No great loss if he go's.

I hope we can hold onto most of them and strengthen the squad again for next year.

It all depend a bit on who is off contract at the other provinces. If the force decide they are not going to persist with their current backrow then quirk and higgers will be fielding offers. I expect the rebels will be looking to strengthen their pack as much as possible as well.

I will go out on a limb and say Quade will sign a three year deal with the ARU and stay at the Reds. Some may say I need my head checked but I wouldn't mind betting that suffering a serious injury may have given him a different perspective on these things.

I think it may depend on what links plans are as well. If he's taking on the wallaby job as expected I think quade will stick around.