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Queensland Reds 2026

Major Tom

Desmond Connor (43)
Itll be interesting if Kiss has a different opinion about him finding more playing time elsewhere once SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific) season 2026 is over.
Gotta remember he’s 21 with 19 reds appearances. While he may not get the main gig next year he’ll still be able to develop and learn with both lynagh and Gordon there. Would love to see him loaned to Benetton or the wild knights but by 2027 he should definitely be ready to run a backline and reds won’t be able to keep with Mackay coming through. Unless lynagh doesn’t work out but can’t see that happening.
 

Filipo Daugunu

Chris McKivat (8)
Tough pill to swallow for Queensland of course, but for the betterment of the pro game in Aus he should be moving elsewhere (probably Tahs). He is far too good to be a third or fourth-string flyhalf, he needs gametime at his age and the obvious destination is the Tahs. Reds are sorted with the other 3 internationals, he should be shifted elsewhere.
 

Major Tom

Desmond Connor (43)
Tough pill to swallow for Queensland of course, but for the betterment of the pro game in Aus he should be moving elsewhere (probably Tahs). He is far too good to be a third or fourth-string flyhalf, he needs gametime at his age and the obvious destination is the Tahs. Reds are sorted with the other 3 internationals, he should be shifted elsewhere.
Yeah agreed. At least on top of his 19 games he’s also had a couple of Aus XV opportunities. We should start seeing some real growth.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

John Eales (66)
Been a while since I've check in of this forum, but I can't believe the Reds signed Volavola. Is it actually official, as in have the Reds themselves announced it?

I've never rated him and don't think he offers anything to the squad, especially with the Gordon signing.
Reds haven't announced but given apparently Carter Gordon happened very fast, I expect it was in play before Carter happened.
RR nailed it I suspect.

I don't think in the overall scheme of it all Volavola would have cost a heap. Mostly sitting on the bench for Leicester, may have liked the idea of moving back to Australia. If a couple injuries happen for the Reds he's about as good as any team could hope for in an emergency 10.
 

Wilson

Tim Horan (67)
RR nailed it I suspect.

I don't think in the overall scheme of it all Volavola would have cost a heap. Mostly sitting on the bench for Leicester, may have liked the idea of moving back to Australia. If a couple injuries happen for the Reds he's about as good as any team could hope for in an emergency 10.
Was already released by Leicster even, so he was likely out there proactively looking for a gig with nothing otherwise sorted or considering retirement. Should be a good guy to have on the training paddock around a bunch of young 10s
 

The Ghost of Raelene

John Eales (66)
Would there be a point in running him in a game like this even if it seemed right? No Club Rugby

You'd think a full uninterrupted pre-season into some trials would be the best prep and confidence boost for him if he is to continue playing.
 

Strewthcobber

Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Would there be a point in running him in a game like this even if it seemed right? No Club Rugby

You'd think a full uninterrupted pre-season into some trials would be the best prep and confidence boost for him if he is to continue playing.
The question is more does he get a contract for next year at this point isn't it?

How big are Super rugby squads these days? Allrugby lists 40 players (presumably including EPS), with no Liam Wright

 

Wilson

Tim Horan (67)
The question is more does he get a contract for next year at this point isn't it?

How big are Super rugby squads these days? Allrugby lists 40 players (presumably including EPS), with no Liam Wright

EPS aside it's a bit of a fuzzy list because it includes anyone who's contract length they don't know.

As far as current squad sizes go, who knows. I think it's defined in the CBA and there's some enforcement of it as part of the salary cap, but I'm pretty sure the Rebels demise last year saw that extended and it's not clear if it's entirely back to normal yet. I think the issue is going to be money in the salary cap more than squad space though, there's plenty of depth in the backrow and with a guy like Robinson looking good in the EPS they don't necessarily need the space for someone else. He has been flirting with coaching a bit though, so there could be room for him to stay on a lower salary while he explores that at club or schools level a bit more to see if his body comes good.

Given the other medical retirements we've already seen (Gordon, Gibbon) I think Wright (and probably Hodgman?) are be given the time they need to work it out right now, but must be some hope of coming back for another year.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

John Eales (66)
Valid point.

Where the spots of Smith, Blyth filled? I see it lists Armistead as an IN, but he's on a development deal right?

If Wright has the potential to return I think he's worth the effort with how Brial took a step forward last season and Bryant looked really strong in the 24 season. There's a bit of flex there.
 

Wilson

Tim Horan (67)
Valid point.

Where the spots of Smith, Blyth filled? I see it lists Armistead as an IN, but he's on a development deal right?
Not yet, though it's looking a bit like Brosnan might get a shot to step up. Would be good to get a reliable, experienced backup in, but there is some cover from the back row in Uru and probably Vest continuing.

Armistead is definitely on a development deal (same as Slater) and years off super, they list it because it's an officially announced signing.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

John Eales (66)
Bring Rob Simmons back!

Consistent starter for Clermont so won't happen but would be a great backup. Ryan Smith or Max Douglas would be the targets longer term and may have to manage this season or get a guy from the NPC.
 

Major Tom

Desmond Connor (43)
Not yet, though it's looking a bit like Brosnan might get a shot to step up. Would be good to get a reliable, experienced backup in, but there is some cover from the back row in Uru and probably Vest continuing.

Armistead is definitely on a development deal (same as Slater) and years off super, they list it because it's an officially announced signing.
Yeah, even Ross, who got a run last week and maybe again this week, needs time to develop.
They won't be rushing Armistead, he's injured atm. I hope the injury gods are kind to us.
 

Dctarget

David Wilson (68)
Bring Rob Simmons back!
Nice hearing that Simmo was the strongest scrummager that Slipper's ever had. Thought he was going to say Skelton.

Bit sad though that all Slipper's responses to best people to have a beer with or room with on tour are Reds from yesteryear like Higgers, Gill and McMahon. The man has been forced to play with Gen Z kids on tiktok whilst he yearns for the fellas.
 
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