Waratahs 2026

[Crashy]

100% agree with this. About the only positive with Leota and Gleeson moving OS is we'll get a real good look at him.

assume he's a lump of a lad?

 

[Crashy]

thats the problem with cutting the Rebels - we have the players running around the planet for a 5th team - I'd forgotten about Swinton..
just dont have the money......

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

assume he's a lump of a lad?

21y/o whos 6'5 and 112-115kg

Great potential. Good at every stage so far.

 

[Major Tom]

assume he's a lump of a lad?

I rate him. 6'5, 115kg, foot footwork. Turning 22 next year.

 

[Crashy]

In comparison, Langi is 112kgs and 6 foot 2. Has he played Shute Shield?

 

[Major Tom]

In comparison, Langi is 112kgs and 6 foot 2. Has he played Shute Shield?

He's not as quick or as powerful as Langi (hardly any forward is) but he's a better lineout target. Don't know who he plays SS for, but he had a couple of games from the bench or when Gleeson was rested this year.

 

[Dctarget]

In comparison, Langi is 112kgs and 6 foot 2. Has he played Shute Shield?

Played a bunch for the Rebels, was really impactful for them and then went missing a bit at the Tahs.

Philip is a decent ball runner for a lock, he'll provide you go forward in tight.

 

[KOB1987]

1 Kailea
2 Moananu
3 Botha
4 Grant
5 Blyth
6 Philip
7 Gamble
8 Samu

I think. No way Philip can play backrow but don't think there is another backrower confirmed yet?

Hypothetically if they were talking to Angus Crichton would that be for 2026 or 2027?

 

[rugbyAU]

And Tahs finished last in 2024, but i don't think that should prevent us from discussing those players who individually performed well and deserved selection that year..

Simple question, do you think Kailea, Tupou, Lancaster performed better at the Tahs this year than they did at the Rebels the year prior? heck could throw in Kellaway, Leota and Gleeson to this question also. Or Pietsch played better at the Tahs then he did the Force this year?

Donaldson and Williams too after leaving for the Force

 

[Major Tom]

Played a bunch for the Rebels, was really impactful for them and then went missing a bit at the Tahs.

Philip is a decent ball runner for a lock, he'll provide you go forward in tight.

He was injured for most his time at the Rebels and would have been like 20 so I don't think he actually played a super game. He looked very very good for the Junior Wallabies.

 

[teamsport]

Yeah it's the big flaw in the squad. A Swinton, Kemeny type guy would be great. Like that the Force did getting CDC.

Won't be surprised if they get a guy from the ITM cup on a 1 year deal.

Michael Icely is a guy running around in SS with Super Rugby and Aus 7s experience. Can do worse than a 28 year old whos been around the game whilst guys like Doyle continue to develop.

He is not going to bend the line in close contact at Super Rugby level he went missing in the rain a few weeks ago against Gordon.

Dan Stovold from Eastwood, Milan Basson from Gordon & Ben Houston from Randwick have more ability to do that.

The one that really needs attention who is purely a good carrier is Phil Talaileva from Hunter he has some real Palu like attributes is also only 21-22.

Jimmy Hokafonu from Eastwood is a good carrier and has played a year of MLR could if they got him into shape become a super rugby player.

 

[Red Runner]

they should be announcing their Super AU squad soon given the Brumbies and Force have already? That may be an indicator.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

He is not going to bend the line in close contact at Super Rugby level he went missing in the rain a few weeks ago against Gordon.

Dan Stovold from Eastwood, Milan Basson from Gordon & Ben Houston from Randwick have more ability to do that.

The one that really needs attention who is purely a good carrier is Phil Talaileva from Hunter he has some real Palu like attributes is also only 21-22.

Jimmy Hokafonu from Eastwood is a good carrier and has played a year of MLR could if they got him into shape become a super rugby player.

Hope plenty of these guys are given time in Super Rugby Aus. You can't get a better chance to test some guys out for contracts.

I'll be interested to see how Super Rugby A is approached by the sides. Are some going to run out as strong a side as possible and get wins and push the combination development or are others going to throw out plenty of rookies and use it to see if your'e worth further investment.

 

[rugbyAU]

they should be announcing their Super AU squad soon given the Brumbies and Force have already? That may be an indicator.

Yep later this month because of Shite Shield and Hospital Cup

 

[cyclopath]

Yep later this month because of Shite Shield and Hospital Cup

It's not that bad a competition...

 

[teamsport]

Hope plenty of these guys are given time in Super Rugby Aus. You can't get a better chance to test some guys out for contracts.

I'll be interested to see how Super Rugby A is approached by the sides. Are some going to run out as strong a side as possible and get wins and push the combination development or are others going to throw out plenty of rookies and use it to see if your'e worth further investment.

These guys are all the same level as Hugh Sinclair ever was Hugh Sinclair just got 3 - 4 pre seasons into him and started to play professional footy really well.

Can the Waratahs wait that long I am guessing they need players closer to being ready and showing signs of higher ceilings.

 

[Crashy]

with our backline, we really need a big pack with damaging ball runners and a pilferer / fetcher at 7 to compensate for big pack.