Big Kev keeps the faith

With talk of key players jumping ship from HMAS Ballymore, the announcement of James Horwill’s re-signing for two years was a cause for celebration among long suffering Reds’ supporters.

Although Horwill had strongly hinted a few weeks ago that a deal was all but done, the recent machinations with Rocky’s future, MMM pulling the pin and speculation about Digby Ioane, had made plenty nervous that key people like Horwill may also look to ply their trade elsewhere.

Despite the upbeat mood today, there are still massive questions that need answering in terms of the Reds ability to retain key players. Critically, both Diggers and Berrick Barnes remain un-signed for next year and if they left, the Reds may as well not bother hanging out their shingle for the 2010 season.

This cause must be supported by the ARU who, as yet, have failed dismally in terms of helping the Reds keep their Wallabies.

On this point ARU’s High Performance head-honcho David Nucifora, taking time out from his coaching stint with the U/20 squad, said.

“James’s decision to recommit, continues the process we are going through to lock up a core group of players who should serve their provinces and Australian Rugby well in the coming years,”

Hopefully Nucci will expedite this process before more key Reds players are tempted by the bucket loads of cash on offer overseas.