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Waratahs 2023

Hogie

Allen Oxlade (6)
Love him as a league player and he would have been able to play rugby if he chose it but he didn’t. Others are correct he only played Rugby because League wasn’t offered at Newington. He’s currently 24, Captain of Souths and contracted until 2025 on 850k not including state of origin, Kangaroos + other endorsement payments which would take him to the best part of 1m.

It’s not sustainable to chase 3-4 players that will want to be paid 1m. I’m really hoping this is just media attention from Eddie.
I feel in a number of these cases that RA are being used as a stalking horse to build up salary in NRL. I am okay with this as less money available for youth recruitment of australia schools representatives for League. Youth recruitment still needs to be priority as the more Max Jorgensens choosing Union and the Tahs the better. We know the importance of next 5 years for Union in Oz and it is fair to say that the players who will be central in this period are already known. It is post 2027 that we need to kick on and not repeat failures of post 2003 by relying on Leagur converts. Invest in youth!
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Mark Ella (57)
I think you’re right @Hogie

I think there’s an element of Eddie’s wants and then player managers shaking the tree. We saw Payne Haas last year saying French rugby clubs wanted him when he wanted more money.

I’ve heard people saying Pat Carrigan could be a great 6,8 in Union. Again would cost 1m to get him over and tbf he’s had 1 really good season of league anyway. That money could keep 4/5 of the best schoolboys in the system.
 

Brumby Runner

David Wilson (68)
Merely an illustration on how height isn’t everything
But just because Genia was good under the high ball (and he was), it doesn't follow that other short players will be equally as good. My question was referencing Harrison's ability, not Genia's. So, it stands - how good is Will Harrison under the high ball? This is fairly crucial for a player at 15.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Mark Ella (57)
Really this is an unknown, but I think a lot of people see a Bernard Foley style from Harrison. He did begin his time at the Tahs as a Fullback.

We will get to see it and I hope he kills it. I don't think we will see Jorgenson who is a genuine 15 for the first half of the year until some resting is happening and pending how he's travelling, and the team is going. The KB (Kurtley Beale) situation has definitely raised his chances of a game though.
 

molman

Peter Johnson (47)
My recollections of Harrison at 10 was as a real running fly-half who liked to attack the line. There were some parallels to how Foley used to like to play back in his earlier days when he had a bit more gas, but I wouldn't say he was the same player. Harrison's kicking off the tee was also exceptional and much better than I remember Foley's being at the same age.

Where ever he ends up in the team, I wish him luck as I really do think he has a lot of potential. Hopefully the injuries haven't impacted his pace.
 

7137

Alex Ross (28)
But just because Genia was good under the high ball (and he was), it doesn't follow that other short players will be equally as good. My question was referencing Harrison's ability, not Genia's. So, it stands - how good is Will Harrison under the high ball? This is fairly crucial for a player at 15.
Well, you said,
“How good is Harrison under the high ball? He looks to be particularly short for the modern game at 15.”

so you were questioning whether he was tall enough to be any good under the highball. I was merely pointing out that height isn’t everything.
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
I have two early memories of Harrison.

In the Jnr Wallabies 'final' v New Zealand at Bond where he put in one of the finest wet weather kicking games I have seen by anyone wearing green and gold #10.

His performance in his debut NRC season for the (Rays?) where he was caught out early but stuck with it and was one of his team's best towards the end of the season.

I think he is special and just hope he gets consistent time on the field to prove it.
 

fatprop

George Gregan (70)
Staff member
Yeah, I thought Harrison showed more than the rest. Great skills and the mindset to chase hard and put his body on the line

I am still dubious on Donaldson (I can't remember him doing great stuff so far that has made me go "ahh" that is what the hype is about) and whilst Edmed probably has a lessor skills, he has the ability to play with his strengths.
 

wamberal

Phil Kearns (64)
Yeah, I thought Harrison showed more than the rest. Great skills and the mindset to chase hard and put his body on the line

I am still dubious on Donaldson (I can't remember him doing great stuff so far that has made me go "ahh" that is what the hype is about) and whilst Edmed probably has a lessor skills, he has the ability to play with his strengths.
Edmed is as tough as teak.
 

Wilson

David Codey (61)
Ah not sure but either way I was disappointed to see so little of him in blue.
He seems to have been released, no mention of him in the squad announcement or of a new club and his social media is mostly just stuff from him working as a labourer these days.
 

molman

Peter Johnson (47)
Ah not sure but either way I was disappointed to see so little of him in blue.
Agree. I liked him back at the Sunwolves and he looked decent in his limited showings at the Tahs. I wonder if there were other factors (was meeting some measures set by Coleman?). Truthfully thought he might have been another to end up in the Brave Blossoms eventually.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
He was injured for a chunk of the season (mostly at the start from memory which meant others got opportunity ahead of him).

There are so many options in the backrow I think it just became a case of him being surplus to needs, particularly with Gleeson's progression.
 

Dctarget

John Eales (66)
He was injured for a chunk of the season (mostly at the start from memory which meant others got opportunity ahead of him).

There are so many options in the backrow I think it just became a case of him being surplus to needs, particularly with Gleeson's progression.
Reds could use a bruiser
 
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