Reds v Pasifika, Suncorp Stadium, Friday 20 May,

[RugbyReg]

Faessler gets a well deserved first start.

REDS (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa'agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu

PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali'ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Solomone Kata, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili

 

[Purce]

Pretty good Reds team when you consider they still have 7 of their 23 injured.

I'm hoping they can get some consistency and shape in attack this week, they will need it heading into finals.

 

[LeCheese]

Stoked for Faessler - I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him. Much like Nongorr before he got injured, he seems to be grabbing his opportunity with both hands.

Is Levi Aumua injured for Pasifika? He’s looked good this season and it would’ve been a homecoming for him.

Pretty good Reds team when you consider they still have 7 of their 23 injured.

Christ is it that many?

 

[Purce]

Crist is it that many?

From my count we have Thor, Paisami, Nasser, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Wright, Ngongorr and Henry. Probably 4 starters and 3 bench in our best 23. I didn't realise it was that many either till I thought about it.

 

[Ignoto]

Phew. Glad to see Richie is back as we're getting low on Hookers.

Fantastic to see Harry's bounced back quickly as well!

 

[SouthernX]

From my count we have Thor, Paisami, Nasser, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Wright, Ngongorr and Henry. Probably 4 starters and 3 bench in our best 23. I didn't realise it was that many either till I thought about it.

Forgot the starting hooker in that list. severity of his injury has turned him into a afterthought.

get well soon Alex Mafi.

 

[LeCheese]

Just a heads up for anyone purchasing tickets to the game - Moana are advertising deals on their socials. Not sure why the Reds aren’t…

 

[Purce]

Forgot the starting hooker in that list. severity of his injury has turned him into a afterthought.

get well soon Alex Mafi.

Of course Mafi! So 8 of 23 still out then. Soo much of this comp is luck with injuries. Makes you feel for the Rebels earlier in the season.

 

[dru]

That’s a much better looking 23 than recently!

On another note, it is amazing how quickly I’ve gotten used to Conner Vest for game night. Liking his work.

 

[LeCheese]

Just looked at the forecast for tomorrow - good chance of showers in the evening. How many wet games would that make it for the Reds this season? I feel like there have been more damp (or worse) home games than there's been dry.

 

[gel]

Reds 28
Pasifika 16

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Pretty good Reds team when you consider they still have 7 of their 23 injured.

I'm hoping they can get some consistency and shape in attack this week, they will need it heading into finals.

Yes reds at this point don’t look like would be lasting long in the finals. They have been a huge disappointment against the kiwi teams in yet to record a win against them.

 

[RugbyReg]

Last game (likely) in Qld for Angus Scott-Young and Lukhan Salakai-Loto. To important leaders in the squad. Deserve a solid farewell

 

[RugbyReg]

Although I just realised LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) ain’t playing.

Dropped apparently.

Wonder if he’ll play for south’s?

 

[LeCheese]

Although I just realised LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) ain’t playing.

Dropped apparently.

Wonder if he’ll play for south’s?

Wow, I'd somehow missed this as well. Hasn't been standout in recent weeks but didn't think he warranted dropping either. In saying that, I'm not sure who I'd have him replacing.

 

[drewprint]

I thought he had a cracking game a week or two ago on his return from injury.

 

[RugbyReg]

I thought he had a cracking game a week or two ago on his return from injury.

agree. I'd have him over Vest easy. But I guess we don't know how his training has been?

 

[LeCheese]

I thought he had a cracking game a week or two ago on his return from injury.

agree. I'd have him over Vest easy. But I guess we don't know how his training has been?

Fair points. Possibly also a case of Thorn wanting to develop and invest (no pun intend) a bit in the future.

 

[SouthernX]

Wonder if he’ll play for south’s?

Hope he does but generally the agents advise against putting your overseas jaunt in jeopardy with a third tier hit out.

remember that Fijian winger Sefanaia Naivalu from the rebels who came to QLD a few years back. Was heading to France but because of his ARU top up he was required to stay back as injury coverage in Australia and turn out for norths just in case something happened with the wallabies squad

 

[DELETE ACCOUNT]

Fair points. Possibly also a case of Thorn wanting to develop and invest (no pun intend) a bit in the future.

for mine I thought he had checked out the moment he signed with the Pommy mob. With Rennie leaving him the cold he had nothing to go after except the $$$ and weather of the old blighty.