Queensland Reds 2026

[TSR]

I think Blake is passable, but I agree he doesn’t look to me he’s going to ever be a world beater.

I think a big question is whether Sef can hold off Father Time. Two years ago I thought he was playing the best I’d seen him play. Last year I thought he regresssed a bit.

Either way you’re right - if Hodgman is okay we’re probably not too bad. I’m hoping no news is good news on that front (similiar with Liam Wright).

 

[Major Tom]

On a separate note - wasn’t Bloomfield a LHP as a junior, or am I recalling wrong. Even if I am I would have thought the Reds would be trying to push one of Bloomfield or King that way. We have 4 promising THPs. Nonggorr is already a test prop, De Lutiis is well on his way. Things can change quickly so I certainly don’t want the Reds to get complacent - but it seems to me there is potential benefit for both the Reds and the players for one of the younger props to change sides. I know Uys is coming but he is still a while away yet.

We do seem to be stacked on one side (THP). King already at 127kg I think he’s better suited where he is. But I think he has played both sides. Bloomfield might be able to play there. If Ross, Blake and Sef can stay healthy we should manage. Im not holding out hope for Hodgman tbh. He hasn’t played for ages.

 

[Major Tom]

I think they have played with it a bit in training but with Uys coming through I don't think they want to force it and risk losing one of them just yet. I expect one will make the shift eventually, but right now it's probably more about getting them a footing at this level and then managing the change of side through the club season. Also for all the (justified) talk of Uys, there's Tito Hamala coming through at the same time, who looks very promising and plays in a 1st XV front row with Slater and Rauluni. There's every chance they're pretty keen to bring that Nudgee front row through all together.

The real missing link right now is a solid, reliable, late 20s guy to round out the senior squad while the young talent comes through. It's not too big a deal if Hodgman is okay to continue playing, but assuming he's not then they'll probably need to bring someone in, regardless of whether or not King/Bloomfield can take to loosehead - neither could be ready in time. Maybe Blake will come good and it won't be so much of an issue, but I remain very unconvinced.

Hadn’t heard of Tito Hamala. Grade 11 or 12?
*edit I see he played the NZ schoolboys game.

 

[Wilson]

Hadn’t heard of Tito Hamala. Grade 11 or 12?

not sure, but I think he's 18 this year - he was the bench loosehead for the Aus under 18s this year behind Uys.

 

[Red Runner]

King had a game at LHP for the 20s this year and got worked over big time.

 

[TSR]

Hadn’t heard of Tito Hamala. Grade 11 or 12?
*edit I see he played the NZ schoolboys game.

Grade 12 I believe.

I was lucky enough to play with and coach his dad. He was massive too and played 12. Hell of a nice bloke but In glad I never had to tackle him.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

With a good number in the system it’s about who is signed up for enough to stay. Won’t keep all of them as other sides will offer more and some won’t kick on to the pro level. It’s always been way that not every star youth becomes the star pro for whatever reason and at times doesn’t make sense.

More avenues to make a dollar these days and become a pro but not in the sense of us fans who want the Super Rugby side to succeed and the Wallabies improve.