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Reds 2023

Adam84

Nick Farr-Jones (63)
I would like to see a large, aggressive, fit LHP (something like an Angus Bell).

One under rated that slipped the coup is Angus Wagner - force have developed him nicely.

yeah could use a LHP also, but Reds need depth at THP to allow better rotation and load management for Tupou. Nongor is a talent, but need more then just him.
 

PhilClinton

John Hipwell (52)
yeah could use a LHP also, but Reds need depth at THP to allow better rotation and load management for Tupou. Nongor is a talent, but need more then just him.

The Reds need tighthead depth fullstop, not just for Tupou load management. He's made it clear his next move won't be just a simple re-sign 4 year deal with the Reds.

Worst case he's off to another franchise, best case he's with the Reds season on, season off whilst he has Japanese sabbaticals. Our tighthead stocks aren't good enough to cover either scenario at the moment.
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
yeah could use a LHP also, but Reds need depth at THP to allow better rotation and load management for Tupou. Nongor is a talent, but need more then just him.

Like others, I feel Van Nek will end up in the squad which I am fine with. LHPs is what we need.

Are we assuming Fotuaika leaves?
 

SouthernX

Peter Johnson (47)
Can someone give me some exciting schoolboy prospects to keep an eye on. GPS school footy kicks off this weekend?

reds probably need a prop, backrower, inside centre and a lock for good measure - I’m going to watch school rugby a little more closely this season due to the reds departures.
 

PhilClinton

John Hipwell (52)
Like others, I feel Van Nek will end up in the squad which I am fine with. LHPs is what we need.

Are we assuming Fotuaika leaves?

I would imagine a 28yr old current Tongan international prop might hold some decent value in overseas markets, he would be good to keep for depth but I wonder what the $$$ would be
 
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Can someone give me some exciting schoolboy prospects to keep an eye on. GPS school footy kicks off this weekend?

reds probably need a prop, backrower, inside centre and a lock for good measure - I’m going to watch school rugby a little more closely this season due to the reds departures.
why recruit out of the school yard?
Let them develop in clubland for a year or two (especially the forwards)
 
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Like others, I feel Van Nek will end up in the squad which I am fine with. LHPs is what we need.

Are we assuming Fotuaika leaves?
would rather see Angus Wagner and Andrew Romano return to Reds before Van Nek.
 

Sideline Hack

Frank Nicholson (4)
why recruit out of the school yard?
Let them develop in clubland for a year or two (especially the forwards)

So if I understand correctly - you would propose for the Reds to not try and recruit schoolboys and in a competitive market, hope they pick Union over other options who are more than happy to offer up contracts to 14 & 15 yr olds let alone 18 yr old school leavers?
 
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So if I understand correctly - you would propose for the Reds to not try and recruit schoolboys and in a competitive market, hope they pick Union over other options who are more than happy to offer up contracts to 14 & 15 yr olds let alone 18 yr old school leavers?
Happy for them to "recruit" but it what is offered or in the agreement that needs to be looked at.

Have a look at the arrangements made for Harley Fox a few years ago and see where that ended up in terms of value to rugby.
 

redblack

Larry Dwyer (12)
So if I understand correctly - you would propose for the Reds to not try and recruit schoolboys and in a competitive market, hope they pick Union over other options who are more than happy to offer up contracts to 14 & 15 yr olds let alone 18 yr old school leavers?
If you are looking at Union front rowers they would have limited appeal to a league scout, agree let them have a couple of years in clubland to develop, you would sort the boys out from the men ..
 

Sideline Hack

Frank Nicholson (4)
If you are looking at Union front rowers they would have limited appeal to a league scout, agree let them have a couple of years in clubland to develop, you would sort the boys out from the men ..

In an old school world - perhaps. In the new world - the best of these kids get picked off by other Super franchises, NZ academy structures and there are kids getting deals overseas straight out of school. And then people whinge about all of the "lost talent" when they come good.
 

SouthernX

Peter Johnson (47)
If you are looking at Union front rowers they would have limited appeal to a league scout, agree let them have a couple of years in clubland to develop, you would sort the boys out from the men ..
& in a parallel universe rugby league props have absolutely no value to a rugby union scout.
 

PhilClinton

John Hipwell (52)
Reading way too deeply into some comments today, but Vunivalu's mention in the paper sound like his training regime and programme wasn't handled very well when he first came across.

Obviously he's decided to stick with the Reds and Wallabies so it's not doom and gloom, but he makes specific mention about how he had never had injuries like his double hammy blows in rugby league and it was only after the fact that his training plans and regime were changed.

Is there a load management issue at the Reds? Some key players have gone down the past few years and a few clearly aren't happy about their rehab and treatment at the club.
 

Jeeper

Jimmy Flynn (14)
Reading way too deeply into some comments today, but Vunivalu's mention in the paper sound like his training regime and programme wasn't handled very well when he first came across.

Obviously he's decided to stick with the Reds and Wallabies so it's not doom and gloom, but he makes specific mention about how he had never had injuries like his double hammy blows in rugby league and it was only after the fact that his training plans and regime were changed.

Is there a load management issue at the Reds? Some key players have gone down the past few years and a few clearly aren't happy about their rehab and treatment at the club.
Short answer, yes. There is reason he was sent back down to Melbourne to manage his hammy.

Jojo Fafita making his debut this weekend for the titans.. I do wonder whether he would come back to Union.
 

PhilClinton

John Hipwell (52)
Short answer, yes. There is reason he was sent back down to Melbourne to manage his hammy.

Jojo Fafita making his debut this weekend for the titans.. I do wonder whether he would come back to Union.

It will be interesting to see how he goes - I watched him in the U20s SOO game and didn't think he looked great, althought that entire QLD side was belted.
 

liquor box

Greg Davis (50)
Van Nek would be a great get, I really rate him.

I do wonder if Zander running out at THP for UQ tomorrow is coming from the Reds seeing Fotuaika as gone and looking at their options.
I quite like Zander, he seems to work hard and do what is asked from him. I wonder if him switching is to improve his chances of playing, and to add value to him as a player.

Good luck to him, hope it works out.
 
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