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Does anyone know how deep the QRU overdraft facility runs at St George? Based on the financials last year there was no positive cashflow and they ran operating expenses out of a debt facility. Explains why a social 3rd grade final at Ballymore cost $10 entry when the only people showing up were...

Although the QRU are dishing more spin on this decison than Warne could on Day 5 at the SCG, the silver lining on this decision is the departure of MOC from the Reds. Feel sorry for the Force fans, players and anyone who stumbles across a Force match on Foxtel in 2017 if they make this...

I have to disagree on that assessment that the forwards are not a problem. Often during generally play after a few phases they are at sea, struggling between breakdowns, overcommitting to rucks, weak ball carriers at first reciever, making decisions to throw poor passes, dropping pill etc. It...

If it is Stiles, then congratulations to him. He is more deserving than O'Connor, with at least a track record of NRC success with most of the playing group. However under Stiles, I worry about the continued over emphasis on set-piece and lack of desire to use the ball in the gameplan. This is...

I have been highly critical of McIntyre, and whilst the setup was the same for the most part, Paia'aua played much differently. He will hold the ball, take it to the line more often than standing and dishing. Playing at line helps reach the gain line more effectively, or not losing as many...

It is well known that DP cannot kick well, which is why he should be playing 12 not 10. 2 clearing kicks straight down McKenzie's throat is an invitation for trouble, 1 dud restart, 1 bomb out on the full after taking it inside the 22, 1 shank of a clearing kick.. the worst one being the long...

That schedule for St Johns doesn't include pre-season fixtures or traditionals outside of local competitions. Some 1st XVs are playing warm-ups in February, have inter-school tournaments, and traditionals with schools outside their local area, and then are part of the national knockout comp in...

Looking forward to seeing Duncan get a run here. Offers genuine ball playing ability, will engage defenders and create more space. Has been playing 12 @ Norths all year in a 2nd playmaker role, alot of Norths attack structured around his passing ability in the midfield channel (Long & short...

Simon, I want you to watch a Brisbane City side this year with no Liam Gill and Frisby & Kerevi on Wallaby duties and see McIntyre at 'NRC' level. The game plan was structured around him to actually do very little and he didn't need to. Won 2 NRC titles, a great accomplishment, but let's be real...

IMO, a new coach can take the same roster (basically) under the previous regime and turn them round in a short period (12 months) IF you get the right guy. (England post RWC 15, Brisbane Broncos post Griffin). Strategy, player management & selection, culture all plays a part, and it's pretty...

Tyler Campbell was included in the NZ u20 training camp prior to Oceania warmup games. It seems the NZ 20s do plan ahead and get younger guys in even if they won't be used until next year.

Not sure what angle your on but it's common sense really. If your on a 1 year contract and no extension is on the table (as far as I know), would you not take a substantially higher paid opportunity overseas? Or get a day job and 'have a crack' here again? Japan has a Super rugby team now...

Context is everything here. No QC (Quade Cooper), McIntyre playing terrible and your not even given a chance? C'mon man.

Opposed to the Reds? Who have had RG running the ship last 3 years? Late cheap shot on RG I know, but please, the Reds hasn't been the best setup, and these guys arn't getting Super Rugby gametime. Top League Japan or club rugby/NRC?

Not only do you need it for entertainment value, you also need it to be successful in Super Rugby. I believe they go hand and hand at this level. Watching a number of NZ derbies this year, the quality of the rugby is on another level. The phase play stretches 4-5 mins of fast, skillful attacking...

Player recruitment and retainment is a bizarre dynamic, it seems that the larger the talent pool the harder it is to get it right. 2 franchises that should always be at the top of their conferences are the (Auckland) Blues and the Queensland Reds. The Blues have the largest talent pool to pick...

Don't forget the guy has come into an English speaking environment.without any basic understanding of the language. The Reds strategy is also not suited to a line-running fullback with size & strength. The Japanese play high tempo, ball in hand, quick recycle rugby, with strike plays off set...

The chat level is unreal here! If you pull off arranging this high stakes unscheduled fixture, I will personally attend and offer the MOTM a feature vid. Keep me posted on the planning progress.

Duncan Paia'aua is developing into a class 12, he has been in top form for Norths. With another season of NRC, I'd like to think he will be given a shot to start. Will he be a good fit w/ QC (Quade Cooper)? I don't know. He's a 2nd playmaker who offers more than a traditional smash & bash 12 like Taefu. He...

Haha. Oh dear. A good scrum is a necessity, but only to recycle ball! An absolute bore and time drainer to watch. The backs need more ball to get better, and if they drop it no worries mate you'll get another scrum to watch.