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Waratahs 2025

Homer

Billy Sheehan (19)
Dobbins is a solid option as a 3rd string and I suspect he'll get an extension (losing all but 1 hooker is just too disruptive), but it's really that reliable 2nd/pushing 1st string the tahs need, particularly with Porecki's injury record. Hard to see Pollard moving within Australian rugby though, now that he's locked down the starting jersey at the brumbies and has wallabies caps. McKellar may help there, but I think he's negotiating on wallaby top ups now rather than super contracts.

He's not at the same level but it might be time for Horton to come back. He has come a long way since he first left the tahs, but isn't going to get much of a look in ahead of BPA and Dolly at the Force. Tomasi Maka over at Moana is also an Aussie, but I'm not sure he's much of an upgrade on Dobbins. Alternatively they could look to an international option, with Vailanu moving on that theoretically frees up a space. Might depend what's in the pipeline for a few years time.
Horton would be a huge step backwards. Very light and his scrummaging has been a thorn for the Force. I would have said Rhys Van Nek, used to play hooker and is a solid scrummager, but he has re-signed with the horses.
Unfortunately, we dont have time to bring through another young player, will need someone ready to rumble, so i would say there is a raid on the NPC coming.

Otherwise, move Jack Barrett into the middle. He is a good size for a hooker, mobile and too light for prop.
 

Wilson

John Eales (66)
Horton would be a huge step backwards. Very light and his scrummaging has been a thorn for the Force. I would have said Rhys Van Nek, used to play hooker and is a solid scrummager, but he has re-signed with the horses.
Unfortunately, we dont have time to bring through another young player, will need someone ready to rumble, so i would say there is a raid on the NPC coming.

Otherwise, move Jack Barrett into the middle. He is a good size for a hooker, mobile and too light for prop.
If you don't have time to bring through another young player you really don't have time to convert one to hooker either.

I wonder if Josh Nasser is the guy who gets squeezed out at the Reds?
I get the impression he's the one the Reds would be least upset to lose, but he does have a deal for next year. There might be room to work a move if they're struggling to hang onto Asiata, but I don't think any one of the Reds hookers are particularly expensive right now so it may not be too hard for them to keep the 3 of them on the books.
 

Wilson

John Eales (66)
Alex Mafi could theoretically be an option. I imagine he's got time left on his contract with Sungoliath, but the eligibility changes in Japan may mean a lot of those middle of the pack foreigners are up for grabs.

Also Feleti Kaitu'u is only on a one year deal at Racing. Has been playing plenty up there (I can't comment on form) so should be in good nick.
 

Love2Scrum

Billy Sheehan (19)
Horton would be a huge step backwards. Very light and his scrummaging has been a thorn for the Force. I would have said Rhys Van Nek, used to play hooker and is a solid scrummager, but he has re-signed with the horses.
Unfortunately, we dont have time to bring through another young player, will need someone ready to rumble, so i would say there is a raid on the NPC coming.

Otherwise, move Jack Barrett into the middle. He is a good size for a hooker, mobile and too light for prop.
Oniti Finau? Not sure how he is going in Grade. I’m sure he was groomed to take over the hookers role hence his move from Eastwood to Randwick
 

Major Tom

Bob Loudon (25)
Alex Mafi could theoretically be an option. I imagine he's got time left on his contract with Sungoliath, but the eligibility changes in Japan may mean a lot of those middle of the pack foreigners are up for grabs.

Also Feleti Kaitu'u is only on a one year deal at Racing. Has been playing plenty up there (I can't comment on form) so should be in good nick.
Yeah good point about Mafi. And Kaitu'u would be better than a 20/21 year old.
 

Love2Scrum

Billy Sheehan (19)
Tevita Ikanivere plays his last home game for the Drua this weekend.

Could we see the 25 year old hooker moving to Daceyville for the 2026 season?
 
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