Waratahs 2025

[Tomthumb]

He's replacing a guy who wasn't in the matchday 23 when everyone was healthy. They're hardly losing a lot of continuity there.

I don't really get the pushback on this. The Tahs have a current Wallaby wanting to sign with them but seemingly should have rejected that advance and re-signed Lancaster to save maybe $60k a season because they have weaknesses in other areas.

Given these will be Harry Potter's age 28 and 29 seasons this should probably be his peak.

It just feels like putting a roof on the house before you have done the foundations to me. They already have Kellaway, Jorgenson and Sua'alili. Adding Potter is great and all, but it wont matter if you are relying on Lawson Creighton and Joey Walton to get them the ball. Or relying on a pretty weak forward pack to get go forward ball

In a vacuum it's fine, but I don't think it really helps the Tahs 2026 chances at all

 

[Shiggins]

Feels a lot like a latter era rebels recruitment decision. Potter's a good player and he does improve the side, but not massively given the outside backs were already a position of strength. Not sure this is a particularly good use of the tahs limited remaining cap space.

True. It strengthens the back 3 for sure but other areas for the tahs need more attention. Potter is a better player than jorgenson, reily, Lancaster imo. Has more experience and has all the X factor of a great winger.

 

[Braveheart81]

It just feels like putting a roof on the house before you have done the foundations to me. They already have Kellaway, Jorgenson and Sua'alili. Adding Potter is great and all, but it wont matter if you are relying on Lawson Creighton and Joey Walton to get them the ball. Or relying on a pretty weak forward pack to get go forward ball

In a vacuum it's fine, but I don't think it really helps the Tahs 2026 chances at all

I agree with the general premise of this but I think you have to take it on face value that we have a current Wallaby who is playing really well who wants to return to NSW. The Waratahs would have been crazy not to sign him. They also very likely need to address that situation now. I can't imagine they could say to Potter, "maybe, we'll let you know in 6 months depending on how recruitment goes elsewhere."

They need to improve elsewhere too but those two things aren't mutually exclusive.

There's a reasonable chance Creighton will be the 10 next year and he's not really good enough but I also don't think there are clear recruitment options available.

Walton is fine but this move also allows you to move Sua'ali'i to 13 if everyone is healthy and improve the overall side.

It's not like there are clear centre options to recruit either. Every Australian side needs bigger/better centres.

 

[Major Tom]

Would you have re-signed Lancaster instead of Potter if the saving was $80k a year?

Personally, I wouldn't. This is a huge upgrade.

I also don't think you sign neither and think you're filling that spot in the squad with an $80k a year rookie.

In terms of positions of need, that's very true but I'm also not sure that salary cap space is the only issue. Assuming Tupou leaves it's not like there's a bunch of tight head prop options available regardless of how much you prioritize it.

Force or Brumbies should be encouraged to sign Darby. Would be a waste if he left Aus rugby.

 

[teamsport]

I have heard Kailea, Amone as well as Teddy Wilson have injuries and are in doubt for the Lions game. Possibility of Jack Barrett or Adrian Brown as reserve loosehead. Brad Amituanui as reserve Tighthead?

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

What’s our 1-15 going to be for the Lions game?

 

[Eyes and Ears]

I have heard Kailea, Amone as well as Teddy Wilson have injuries and are in doubt for the Lions game. Possibility of Jack Barrett or Adrian Brown as reserve loosehead. Brad Amituanui as reserve Tighthead?

Ben Grant got a Blue Card for concussion on Saturday - not sure how the professional protocol works.