Red Runner
Chris McKivat (8)
When was Flook’s last game? Did he play against Tonga? Did he play for Brothers after the lions game?
Queensland Reds 2026
- Thread starter Adam84
- Start date
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
I think the issue in the past has been travel/not wanting to move away from Brisbane - he'd probably walk into an MLR gig for example, and then be able to build from there, but it's much harder without that bridge between club and something more full-time pro.
And be very happy to see him come in as an assistant in the next coaching team at the Reds, but if that's part of Hilton's team you'd probably want a very experienced coach rounding out the assistants in that case. Aus under 20s could be another avenue for him to build up that bridging experience, but with Whitaker having just stepped into that role it probably won't be an option for a few years.
PhilClinton
Mark Ella (57)
He was called into the Wallabies squad and didn't play in the Tonga game or for Brothers before the GF.
Last game was back during the Reds season.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
If the Force have a year the same as the last 3 then he will be a candidate for that job for sure.
PhilClinton
Mark Ella (57)
In 2026 Mick will also be turning 53, definitely not considered 'old' but also probably not the age someone wants to embark on their first proper stint into full-time professional coaching.
Does anyone know if Mick was being paid full-time by Bond or if he is still working in legal?
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Can't speak to pay scale, but linkedin has him part time with Bond and still working in HR/Legal consulting otherwise.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Do the Brian Smith and go from pro coaching to Schools coaching. Still pro these days but must be so much calmer.
Adam84
John Eales (66)
Petaia wont be back for 2026 season at least, maybe 2027. Hunter and Dre are a bit too similar for my liking to be the starting centre pairing. Both physical and hard runners but missing the last 10cm and 10kg to be dominant ball runners at Super Rugby. They get wrapped up to easy against a good Super Rugby defence. I think if you’re starting those two you need some big bod on the wing coming in and running lines, which isn’t Ryan/Flook/Campbell.
Daugunu is 90% there, but he seemingly compromised his speed for bulk, which isn’t always the best tradeoff. Anderson is a big body, wouldn’t say he is a big hard crash ball runner though.
would love a Mortlock style player!
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Frankie Goldsborough is the main option for a big back to come through in the next few years, the kid has a lot of potential there and already has that extra 5-10kg over most of our backs at 19.
He is probably still a few years off though, it's a real pity this year has been so injury interrupted for him.
He is probably still a few years off though, it's a real pity this year has been so injury interrupted for him.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I'd take Dre as my guy at 12 for 3-4 years with Frankie the long term 13 (Flook right now). Dre is likely to put on some more size as well. We'll see how his 2nd year goes when he will be known now. Ryan had that this year and was quieter but no doubt better for playing through it and not being sent back to grade and then get away with minor things
Daugunu looms alongside Flook as a Mr Fixit with inevitable injuries throughout the year. Flook can also play 15 at Super Rugby and be a good organiser/2nd playmaker. Problem with some of the PI guys like Daugunu is they just continue to put on mass. It's made him very effective at the breakdown but does take away a bit of that top end speed.
Daugunu looms alongside Flook as a Mr Fixit with inevitable injuries throughout the year. Flook can also play 15 at Super Rugby and be a good organiser/2nd playmaker. Problem with some of the PI guys like Daugunu is they just continue to put on mass. It's made him very effective at the breakdown but does take away a bit of that top end speed.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
As would everyone. He's not that league but would the Reds use a second Harry Wilson? He's big, fast and versatile. Played good footy for Easts after coming back from Wales. Younger version of Anderson.
Think he can be good in a second chance at Super Rugby. Brums also feel like they need a backup Centre/Wing who has Super Rugby experience. A lot to like about some of the young guys like Jarrah but they could be 2 injuries from a very inexperienced backline.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Might depend a bit on flyhalf depth at the moment - assuming Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is re-signed we still probably need a 3rd string in the squad for coverage. If they were to bring in someone like Pasitoa who seems to be going well for Northland than I doubt they'd grab another centre after that.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
With Lynagh tied up with the Wallabies who is likely to be the 2nd 10 for the Reds in Super Rugby Aus? Throw out an Academy kid or someone excel in HC?
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I think Dre and Frankie have always been the plan. They’ve played together at school. Xavier Ruebens could be a solid option won’t be as big as Frankie though. The young kids taka and Pritchard that they’ve signed are 6’2 so there’s a pipeline there. Just gotta develop them carefully.
You’re right, until these kids cement themselves we’ll have to rely on the daugunu, hunter, Flook and Henry options.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Campbell has covered it in the past and they didn't take an extra 10 to Tonga recently, so it's likely him or Henry again in the match day 23's. Finn Mackay from the academy might also get some time (he wasn't named in the under 19s), but he's too young to be a reliable 3rd string for super next year.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a 10 brought in from QPR to round it out, but I'm not as up with the form options there. Harry Grant did a good job for Brothers on the weekend though, and his connection with Dre and Flook might give him a leg up.
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Mackay should get some of a run in au to see if he’s up to it.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
It's just more footy for the young guys. If they can tally up an extra 2-3 games at a higher speed with bigger guys it's great. Exposure is the only way to get better and realise they need to keep pushing.
So many young guys from the Aus 20s have excelled in every comp along the way and then seem stumped when someone shuts them out at the pro level.
So many young guys from the Aus 20s have excelled in every comp along the way and then seem stumped when someone shuts them out at the pro level.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Both were in last years U18s so you do assume they will repeat. Not always set in stone but after last years side got the win over NZ they all have a pretty favourable reputation.
A lot of returners for that side. Should be a good contest v NZ
A lot of returners for that side. Should be a good contest v NZ