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Reds 2023

PhilClinton

John Hipwell (52)
Yep, if Jones has come in with 'we can win the RWC23' directive and attitude (and I am doubtful we are peaking at the right time) then I think James O'Connor definitely comes back into consideration if he makes it through the Super Rugby season intact.

Agree with Reg as well, which I assume is reference to Vunivalu. He's clearly been skipped over and hasn't really shown much. But I wonder if Eddie will be picking up the phone and getting in his ear could change things. Be interesting to see how things go for him in 2023.
 

liquor box

Greg Davis (50)
Flook at 10????
Flook, 21, was out of the selection landscape last Test season after injuring his shoulder in the penultimate regular round of Super Rugby.

Before then, and throughout 2021, the outside centre had quickly found his feet for the Reds.

A balanced, gifted runner, Flook is a natural footy player. He is calm, collected and is strong on both sides of the ball.

The outside centre, who can shift to the wing seamlessly and grew up playing at No.10, led the Aussie Schoolboys to a seven-year drought-breaking victory over New Zealand across the ditch in 2019.
Was he any good at 10?

Would his previous play at 10 make him a chance at 12 down the track?
 

Wilson

David Codey (61)
Was he any good at 10?

Would his previous play at 10 make him a chance at 12 down the track?
The outside centre, who can shift to the wing seamlessly and grew up playing at No.10, led the Aussie Schoolboys to a seven-year drought-breaking victory over New Zealand across the ditch in 2019.
That quote there is a bit deceptive - he lead the Schoolboys side that beat New Zealand as captian, but not as playmaker. He was playing 13, Pasitoa was at 10.

With the Reds squad and players coming through I don't see why you'd move him from 13/Wing right now. Maybe he can add some utility at 10/15 in time, but he's playing so well where he is right now there's no reason to force it.
 

SouthernX

Peter Johnson (47)
Someone in the reds backs is going to get a gig as a utility option on a reds bench.

If Flook can play 10, best for him to put his hand up and let people know… I’d like to see him in starting lineup but when you possibly going up against Petaia at 13 then the wingers of Daugunu/Vunivalu that would leave a spot on the bench as utility option (if he can’t beat out those options)

our utility back options are (Creighton, Henry & James O’Connor)

PS: think the point will be moot cause I see Flook making the starting XV.
 

liquor box

Greg Davis (50)
Someone in the reds backs is going to get a gig as a utility option on a reds bench.

If Flook can play 10, best for him to put his hand up and let people know… I’d like to see him in starting lineup but when you possibly going up against Petaia at 13 then the wingers of Daugunu/Vunivalu that would leave a spot on the bench as utility option (if he can’t beat out those options)

our utility back options are (Creighton, Henry & James O’Connor)

PS: think the point will be moot cause I see Flook making the starting XV.
There are going to be some very decent arguments for quality players to miss the 15, or to make it into the 15 after previously being outside of the starting 15.

I would not pick Petaia in the centres and would have Campbell at fullback so this leaves Petaia vying for a wing position. You could mount an argument for both Daugunu or Vunivalu to be picked on the wing, but I could easily be persuaded to drop either of them and start Petaia.

Vunivalu does not seem to be a utility back and whether this is due to skill set or due to never having a chance to prove his skills in other positions I would struggle to have him on the bench so maybe he just misses out on the squad altogether?

It would be a tough decision for the selectors to pick the team each week.

I wonder if Thorn will select teams based on the opponent each week?
 

TSR

Mark Ella (57)
Anyone got any details on the Reds trials.

I know the are playing the Santos Festival again. Any other set dates?
 

Adam84

Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Peni Ravai

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