Recent content by Raytah

Any views on strongest team from that squad? Bit surprised to not see Hooper, Finau, Toufan make it from the prelim squad. From the limited sample size I have seen, would have thought something like: 1. Barrett 2. Edwards 3. Alatini 4. McPherson 5. Cordukes 6. Di Staso 7. Liddy 8. Harley...

Poolman is poor. I don't see it either. Henry O'Donnell and Harry Potter both solid options at 13. I'd back O'Donnell there. Porter is great, but I think the Force might be better placed backing some of their promising young outside backs coming through (e.g. Tipene Grace, Ryan McGloin, Ronan...

Yes, they will argue that. But the idea that broadcast value is created by Rebels v Dunedin playing in front of no one in Tarneit is also fanciful thinking. The drop in value to Ch9 is principally the number of ppl who drop the Stan sub if the Rebels fold (I dont know what that number is). There...

True, but there's still broader issues IMO. - Talent ID is a big one - too many powerful players with low footy IQ (Pietsch, Perese, Gleeson). - Need a 9 who passes off the deck. Gordon has an excellent exit box kick, but is taking so much time off his 10 because he can't pass off the deck...

100%. The wallabies are the golden goose. Buying a Stan subscription is quite binary, so am not convinced that cutting a super team will materially reduce the value of the broadcast rights. Cutting a team is better than cutting the cap. If RA can save $4m p.a. by cutting 1 team (who if...

It doesn't. A $30m equity cheque to pay off $22m of debt to prop up a franchise with minimal cultural relevance to play a beleagured competition in a niche sport on the outskirts of a city with 20+ other professional provincial sporting teams. It's a tricky one - both a cost and revenue problem...

Agree with this. I think with McReight at 7, and Frost likely at 4, more girth is required at 6/8 or we'll get scrummed / mauled to death. Balance works well for Brums with Hooper at 7, Cale at 8.

I expect so too. Was outstanding amongst his Aus peers, including as a scrummager. But the point that he's been blooded 2/3 years before he is ready (as are many other super rugby forwards) stands.

Don't think Hodgeman is eligible until Nov 24 unfortunately. Otherwise, mine would look fairly similar: 1. Slipper / Bell / Schoupp 2. Faessler / Porecki / Lonergan 3. Ala'alatoa / Tupou / Talakai 4. Frost / Holloway 5. Neville / Salakaia-Loto 6. Swinton / Hooper 7. McReight 8. Valetini / Wilson...

Will not solve for poor crowds/engagement in Melb (probably would make worse), but a couple of games in Apia could sell out. Pros: - Maintain presence in largest Aus city which is helpful for broadcast revs. - Potentially cost efficient solution for RA if Vic gov and/or World Rugby co-fund...

Some talk of a Rebels-Moana merger out of Melbourne with World Rugby funding invilved. Could Melbourne Pasifika be a neat solution and solve problems for both RA & NZR? Any chance of cut through? Appreciate die hard rebels fans will hate it, but frankly they've seem to run a Pasifika first...

I think Jahrome Browne might be the man by the end of 2024 if he stays fit. More abrasive than Wright and McReight. Better suited to test rugby IMO.

2024 Wallabies - Projected Squad: 1. Bell / Slipper / Vella 2. BPA / Porecki / Nasser 3. Ala'alatoa / Tupou / De Lutiis 4. Rodda / Frost 5. Skelton / Salakai-Loto 6. Hooper / Holloway 7. Gamble / Gleeson 8. Valetini / Wilson 9. McDermott / Lonergan 10. Gordon / Pasitoa 11. Jorgenson /...

Anyone else swinging off Glen Vaihu - Wallaby in waiting for me. Complete footballer. That second try vs Kintetsu broke my ankles 15000km away.

Names seem close but Medrano will play tight head (#3), Pearce loose head (#1) & Rodda most likely tight head lock (#5). O'Donnell has never played much wing, but he may be ahead of Spink by the Ned of 2024 as is a great prospect. Leahy looks a real prospect so will potentially get good game...