Waratahs 2021

[sendit]

Yep I guess that is maybe the point - ‘solid’ does not grow audiences.we need a sprinkling of genuine superstars amongst the solid. At this point the tahs certainly don’t seem to have any super stars like the Barrett’s etc - not expecting a team of super stars but a sprinkling yes.

Not even superstars, they need some personalities, something marketable. Talent helps with that but League has shown us some of their biggest personalities were mediocre players

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

Who would be the most likely captain out of that motley mob? Dempsey?

Gordon or last seasons VC Newsome

 

[Pass it to Dunning!]

Who would be the most likely captain out of that motley mob? Dempsey?

Good question. Dempsey and Gordon are the only ones with a meaningful number of games under their belt. Maybe HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) or Newsome. But Newsome isn't a guaranteed starter. If he was a long term starting prospect we'd know by now.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I think that is a bit unfair on the young guys. I think there is certainly potential there. Bell and Swinton in the pack have the attributes to be crowd pleasers in different ways. Harris also is set to make an impact too. In the backs we have the makings of some great Wingers and people sell Maddocks way short.
Nobody is a superstar, until they are.

But as you note at this point we don’t have any super stars - so what we market to get the crowds in to say come and watch for a few seasons and maybe by year 3 you might see some genuine super stars to watch

Houston we have a problem

 

[Braveheart81]

But as you note at this point we don’t have any super stars - so what we market to get the crowds in to say come and watch for a few seasons and maybe by year 3 you might see some genuine super stars to watch

Houston we have a problem

Sure, but I also think we're past the point where that makes a meaningful difference. We're very much down to the rusted on fans who care less about that.

The crowds weren't substantially better when we had Folau and Beale a couple of seasons ago.

I don't think a really high profile player adds many bums on seats at this point.

I know you were frustrated that Hunt wasn't re-signed but realistically, no one is turning up to watch him play.

 

[Rugby Head]

Agreed, there's at least 10 players in the squad with the potential to be superstars.

Give it a few years and I reckon the Waratahs will have loads of household names.

Much like the reds 3 years ago, they stuck by their guns with the young guys. They are now reeking the benefits- Thor, Petaia, McDermott, Wright, McReight etc...

 

[Eyes and Ears]

I also saw Harry Wilson all dressed up in Blue Tah gear.

No, not that Harry Wilson. There is another. And a Teddy Wilson scrummy.

Will Harris
Teddy Wilson
Will Harrison
Harry Wilson
What is going on?????

Have they still got 2 Angus Bell's in the squad to add to the confusion?

 

[fatprop]

I know you were frustrated that Hunt wasn't re-signed but realistically, no one is turning up to watch him play.

Also Hunt was no certainty to even start next season, his form this year was not great

 

[Braveheart81]

Also Hunt was no certainty to even start next season, his form this year was not great

Yep. Over his contract he was generally good when he played but he also spent about half the time injured.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Sure, but I also think we're past the point where that makes a meaningful difference. We're very much down to the rusted on fans who care less about that.

The crowds weren't substantially better when we had Folau and Beale a couple of seasons ago.

I don't think a really high profile player adds many bums on seats at this point.

I know you were frustrated that Hunt wasn't re-signed but realistically, no one is turning up to watch him play.

I would not call hunt a super star given where he was at career wise - he is in the solid bracket - if we had super stars that made for a winning team that played attractive exciting brand of rugby that combo would probably bring fans back. But I do use the word probably as rugby got itself down to rusted fans and to win back the casual and other sports fans not watching rugby will be challenging. As don’t disagree that will take probably more then just signing a super star to grow the fan base beyond the remaining rusted on we are left with.

 

[Adam84]

Tahs apparently chasing Izaia Perese, he is a highly talented player, but jeez he doesn’t have a great reputation. Broke his Reds contract early and then found guilty of some pretty serious drug charges whilst playing with the Broncos earlier this year.

 

[Cancelled Account]

Tahs apparently chasing Izaia Perese, he is a highly talented player, but jeez he doesn’t have a great reputation. Broke his Reds contract early and then found guilty of some pretty serious drug charges whilst playing with the Broncos earlier this year.

I’d be steering in another direction.

 

[Rebels3]

Tahs apparently chasing Izaia Perese, he is a highly talented player, but jeez he doesn’t have a great reputation. Broke his Reds contract early and then found guilty of some pretty serious drug charges whilst playing with the Broncos earlier this year.

I think it’d be a good signing, every team this year had players with questionable pasts that proved to be valuable assets to the clubs.

Reds - JOC (James O'Connor) (drugs and sacked) and Paisami (sacked for public punch up)
Brums - Slipper (drugs)
Force - Ready (alcohol)
Waratahs - Hunt (drug charges)
Rebels - Louwrens (steroids)

I think the kid deserves another chance and prior to the 2019 junior wallabies crop was the clear standout player over a 4-5 year span at junior level.

 

[7137]

Tahs apparently chasing Izaia Perese, he is a highly talented player, but jeez he doesn’t have a great reputation. Broke his Reds contract early and then found guilty of some pretty serious drug charges whilst playing with the Broncos earlier this year.

I have very mixed feelings about this. Assuming it won’t be for next year anyway as he’s playing in France. So irrespective of whether they take him on or not it will give Walton a chance at proving himself. I’ve got a good feeli by about him. I think he has a great Rugby brain.

 

[Rebels3]

Tahs have signed scrum half Jack Grant from Easts and NTT in Japan

 

[Braveheart81]

Tahs have signed scrum half Jack Grant from Easts and NTT in Japan

I think that's a pretty decent signing as the backup. He's got a good opportunity to get pretty substantial Super Rugby game time straight away as Gordon's backup.

I wonder if Henry Robertson from Gen Blue will be the third choice?

 

[7137]

I think that's a pretty decent signing as the backup. He's got a good opportunity to get pretty substantial Super Rugby game time straight away as Gordon's backup.

I wonder if Henry Robertson from Gen Blue will be the third choice?

Henry Robertson played in the Aus A game against Argentina I believe so I think it’s likely he’ll be playing some minutes next year

 

[Rebels3]

I think that's a pretty decent signing as the backup. He's got a good opportunity to get pretty substantial Super Rugby game time straight away as Gordon's backup.

I wonder if Henry Robertson from Gen Blue will be the third choice?

Having been in a pro program in Japan should mean will hit the ground running

 

[TSR]

Not even superstars, they need some personalities, something marketable. Talent helps with that but League has shown us some of their biggest personalities were mediocre players

HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) seems to be a pretty marketable bloke

 

[The Honey Badger]

Tahs have signed scrum half Jack Grant from Easts and NTT in Japan

Good signing, will put plenty of pressure on Gordon. He has been the standout 9 in SS. May find himself starting