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Wallabies 2023

drewprint

John Solomon (38)
So what is Eddie going to look for in his forward pack? Physicality I reckon. A presence on the field.

Bobby V to a T. Probably Skelton too.

Up front it means Tupou and Bell when fit probably led the way and you’d have to think he’d be eager to see Eloff’s eligibility.

Gamble would seem a big winner. And it may sound heretic but Hooper may be the loser. Perhaps a good bench option. He’s less about physical presence now and more about workrate. McReight probably falls down the pecking order and Wilson probably needs to work on his repeat effort work to get back in contention. I don’t think Holloway cuts it. Uru perhaps. McMahon (if fit and healthy) for sure. Leota seems to fit the picture too. Hanigan? I wouldn’t write him off.

At lock I think Swain will be his Jonny Hill. Rodda will be back as will Philip. Not so much Neville. Smith a dark horse.

Hooker remains the question. Lonergan’s impact v Wales will shoot him up the list. Mafi a good shot and Nasser, if he gets some games, a roughie.

Not sure about out wide but I think Pasitoa is his type of 10. He loves workrate wingers so Kellaway is king.

Is Stewart the closest to his Farrell style 2nd 5/8th?

Pure footballers too so you’d think Campbell is a big shot at 15. Really not sure how Petaia responds to him. Another that could be made or broken by him.
He likes an athletic lock at 6 too. Wonder if Frost is a consideration. (Edit: for flanker, not for captain.)
 

Thalium

Fred Wood (13)
I 100 percent wouldn’t be surprised if Eddie is out here talking up pinching NRL talent just to get the media fight going and to let all NRL players know he is open to discussion so instead of Eddie chasing them they chase him

he Will obviously have an eye on a few and would have already been talking to them prior to the media frenzy
 

Wilson

Michael Lynagh (62)
I could see Rodda, would be incredible after his fallout with Rugby Australia/Reds. Kerevi I don’t see, has to be someone playing locally.
I agree the captain has to be local, but I also think he's target number 1 for RA to bring home. I think his next contract will be in Australia and they'll make him the face of the game building into the Lions tour.
 

molman

Peter Johnson (47)
Some interesting comments from the Report Card interview.

private equity deal sounds like its pretty certain to happen.

Apparently looking at some League players who are apparently interested. Also some overseas boys looking to come home.

Sounds like McLennan is open to keeping Mckellar on.

Thinks the 20 minute red card dispute with the north will be lost.

Wants to entice players back rather than open up selection. Doesnt like the South African model.

There is some some inference that a few players have already signaled a possible desire to return. Many perks to these overseas clubs in terms of overseas opportunities and life experiences, but a number of these overseas players have left families and/or at points where they might want to return should the circumstances be right.

I actually wonder if the shift to the more central contract model might finally happen.
 

Derpus

George Gregan (70)
Yeah the plan seems to be to get a PE deal done so he can:
- bring back the players that would otherwise be selected from overseas,
- possibly sign a couple League boys who were 'lost to rugby',
- catch high school talent before League, and
- pump a bunch of cash into grass roots (including building up the women's game).

Feel like we've heard the last one before, though, so remain highly skeptical of that.
 

Ignoto

Greg Davis (50)
I could see Rodda, would be incredible after his fallout with Rugby Australia/Reds. Kerevi I don’t see, has to be someone playing locally.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but every time we've had a lock from Queensland captain the Wallabies at a World Cup, we either won it or made the final?
 

Highlander35

Andrew Slack (58)
The left field player may have be Ben Meehan. Would be one WC and done at 30 but Eddie would have seen plenty of him for the Exiles and GLoucester.
 

Lightblue

Arch Winning (36)
We now know who the league players are, as for the overseas ones - half a dozen locks, BPA, Foley, Quade, Kerevi, Koroibete, and maybe even Nick Phipps considering all the current halfbacks after White are a downgrade.
Nick Phipps? Are you on drugs?
Absolutely no chance!
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Andrew Slack (58)
The left field player may have be Ben Meehan. Would be one WC and done at 30 but Eddie would have seen plenty of him for the Exiles and GLoucester.
Forgot about this bloke until the clip of his 80m clearing kick went around a week ago or so. Is an experienced head now.

 

TSR

Mark Ella (57)
You have to love a good redemption story. Great to see Eddie bringing some experience in

 
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