Queensland Reds 2026

[PhilClinton]

I don't think it needs to be train and trial for Henry - I'd imagine he'd be happy with a one year extension on what is probably already a pretty low end deal. Give him a season to get his body right and reassess at the end of next season.

Anderson is probably the big ticket retention now, at least in the backs. I imagine that might be a bit harder capwise with Campbell sticking around, but he does seem very happy with the Reds and his game is really coming along, so he might be inclined to take another year to raise his value here and abroad before making a bigger call.

In the forwards I'd like to see us lock in at least one of Hodgman and Fa'agase to make sure we're somewhat covered at loose head. That might be somewhat dependent on Hodgman's fitness though.

Henry has been given what, the last 3 years to have a season to get his body right?

Even if he's on small value, it's probably still $150k. I'd rather have $50k extra to flick Anderson if we need it.

I've said before, my stance isn't because I dislike Henry as a player, but at this point surely, it's in the best interest of both parties that they part ways. If Henry actually manages to keep fit for the rest of QPR he should be looking for an overseas gig where he can earn $250k instead of bottom dollar at the Reds. He's clearly got a short lifespan in the game and needs to capitalise.

 

[Ignoto]

You could offer Henry an incentive based contract i.e. small base but for every X amount of games his salary is bumped up.

 

[Strewthcobber]

You could offer Henry an incentive based contract i.e. small base but for every X amount of games his salary is bumped up.

Does the CBA and RUPA let them do that?

 

[PhilClinton]

Does the CBA and RUPA let them do that?

Good question. I know in the NRL they can offer train and trial deals where the player receives match payments, and I believe after they play 10 games the contract needs to be fully guaranteed and upgraded to a full deal by the team. Same type of arrangements exist in a lot of other sports as well so maybe that is the approach needed.

 

[Strewthcobber]

They don't seem to publish the CBA anymore but version III, which is out of date, only permits a) standard player contracts, b) rookie contracts, c) academy contracts and d) short-term player contracts, which can only be used for

Short-Term Player Contracts are to be used by a Rugby Body only for the purpose of employing a Player for a period involving up to four (4) Matches where there is a legitimate need to replace an injured Player or a Player who is absent due to Wallaby duties.

I don't know if this is still the case, but I'd say it's unlikely to have changed significantly.

 

[Wilson]

Henry has been given what, the last 3 years to have a season to get his body right?

Even if he's on small value, it's probably still $150k. I'd rather have $50k extra to flick Anderson if we need it.

I've said before, my stance isn't because I dislike Henry as a player, but at this point surely, it's in the best interest of both parties that they part ways. If Henry actually manages to keep fit for the rest of QPR he should be looking for an overseas gig where he can earn $250k instead of bottom dollar at the Reds. He's clearly got a short lifespan in the game and needs to capitalise.

I'm talking about a base contract here, there's nothing lower you can offer, so it's just a question of whether you give it to Henry or someone else, not really where else you could spend the money otherwise. I don't think he gets a solid overseas gig on his current injury run anyway - he'd be taking a cheap MLR deal to prove his fitness before an OS club took a punt.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Think you'd be better off taking a low deal/whatever you can get at D2 French side like Agen or Oyonnax than the MLR. Once there, only a couple have come back and been effective. You're labelled as that level whether that's fair or not.

Even coaches here I reckon would rather see you brain a prem comp than be named MLR team of the week. Go to Chicago and hope Latham wants an assistant role and tries to bring you with him..

 

[PhilClinton]

I reckon if Henry gets a decent 15min shift against the Lions and plays a key, injury free role for Wests in QPR in their finals campaign, his manager would be getting a few phone calls which are above minimum wage from clubs.

Herny and the Reds both need to change things up. The Reds held onto CFS for 8 seasons and a fair number of those were injury plagued. He left for a D2 French team, played a handful of games over a few years and got himself another SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) contract. That's the kind of move Henry should make and he will be much younger than CFS.

 

[Brumby Runner]

CFS another one who could have consistently been at the top except for injuries. Also had a couple of seasons (2022/23) at the Brumbies.