Western Force 2025

[Mr Pilfer]

This is part of the problem, we have recruited the kids but then they seem to leave just before we start playing them, almost seems like a wasted investment. We currently have Finn Prass and Boston Fakafunua, Wallace Charlie etc but will these guys ever play for the Force or just go back over East. The Force getting cut from the comp disrupted the growth for a few years but there are good juniors coming through again now through the academy etc.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

People need to realise that the salary cap isn't to equalise the competition, it is to save the franchises from themselves and RA having to bail them out (as they have had to do a number of times for all states over the years).

If Twiggy is happy to tip more in, give the Western Force an additional allowance. Like the Brisbane Lions had in years gone by to help overcome some of those issues.

 

[Strewthcobber]

I mean we are barely two years on from Paul Doherty. This is not a good idea

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

This is part of the problem, we have recruited the kids but then they seem to leave just before we start playing them, almost seems like a wasted investment. We currently have Finn Prass and Boston Fakafunua, Wallace Charlie etc but will these guys ever play for the Force or just go back over East. The Force getting cut from the comp disrupted the growth for a few years but there are good juniors coming through again now through the academy etc.

Not to the same degree as the Brums who seem to pick up U18 starters across the pack year after year and they lose them as well. De Lutiis went back to QLD but they do hold more and players seem to want to stay there in that system. Force are picking up a back who is often the 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart in the pathways who then goes and plays Shute Shield for 2 years and when potentially ready for a blooding go and bring in a guy like Alex Harford or a 34 year old Richard Kahui.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

I mean we are barely two years on from Paul Doherty. This is not a good idea

Paul Doherty not really in the same league as Andrew Forrest mate

 

[LearningCurve]

Not to the same degree as the Brums who seem to pick up U18 starters across the pack year after year and they lose them as well. De Lutiis went back to QLD but they do hold more and players seem to want to stay there in that system. Force are picking up a back who is often the 2nd or 3rd on the depth chart in the pathways who then goes and plays Shute Shield for 2 years and when potentially ready for a blooding go and bring in a guy like Alex Harford or a 34 year old Richard Kahui.

I think part of the difference is the success of the province - the Brumbies are successful so young players want to stay there because they think it will lead to their own success. The Force on the other hand leads them to think that they will not get success and therefore not get noticed.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Let’s be honest though, that’s on the Force. That’s not any other sides fault but it seems there’s always consistent noise is how they get hard done by.

 

[Caputo]

Off topic I am glad that Force gives farewell game against Lions (by loan) for Ollie Hoskin. Was a stalwart in early days. Also Carter.

 

[Dctarget]

Apparently Pasitoa is unsigned for next season, with no offers from any Aus super teams. Disappointing, I really think he could be something.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Apparently Pasitoa is unsigned for next season, with no offers from any Aus super teams. Disappointing, I really think he could be something.

Think everyone does/been waiting a while.

Didn’t look fit and Cron didn’t seem interested in using him.

Yokohama Water bubblers contract incoming or a train and trial with someone. Back to the Brums or Reds would be my guess.

 

[Wilson]

Think everyone does/been waiting a while.

Didn’t look fit and Cron didn’t seem interested in using him.

Yokohama Water bubblers contract incoming or a train and trial with someone. Back to the Brums or Reds would be my guess.

Yeah, it's a tricky one because if he could find his form again he'd add a lot to any of the Aus sides and at only 23 there's plenty of room for that, but where he's at right now no one can afford to jump on him until they've got at least their 23 locked down for next year.

I suspect the Brumbies will be the quickest to move on him if Debreczeni decides to retire, but I also think they're probably also looking at Kuenzle who is also unsigned and a much safer bet (if you can lure him away). But if Debreczeni doesn't retire or they get Kuenzle there's no room for Pasitoa. Arguably the tahs could make the most use of him, with a need for depth in the centres and at 10, but I also don't think they can take on a project player right now, and have so many other positions to sort out before the look at depth. Reds need to lock in fullbacks first and then it becomes a question of how many injury risks they carry next year. If Henry comes back solidly and the fullbacks are sorted than I'd be happy to see him replacing Gibbs in the squad (assuming that space doesn't disappear with post-Rebels allowances), but there's a fair bit to sort out there first.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Not so sure about the Tahs really. A lot can change with Foketi but I expect JAS to see some time along side O’Donnell and Walton. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Wilson return to the side but he could also be an option for the Reds. He’s playing bloody good footy at 15 right now for Easts after returning from Wales. I’d rate him higher than Pasitoa on currently. Not a 10 though but Centre/Fullback

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

Very disappointing year from the Force.

 

[rugbyAU]

Very disappointing year from the Force.

Like nearly every year

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

Like nearly every year

Think this is close to the best roster they’ve had

 

[rugbyAU]

Think this is close to the best roster they’ve had

True

 

[Tomthumb]

I think Cron and his buzzwords might start wearing a bit thin if the Force cant take a leap in performance next season

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

I think Cron and his buzzwords might start wearing a bit thin if the Force cant take a leap in performance next season

Absolutely agree with this. No progress since Sampson left. Stronger squad, results no better.

 

[Wilson]

Western Force confirm departures of Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Reesjan Pasitoa, Matt Proctor and Sio Tomkinson:

Force farewells six players after conclusion of 2025 season

westernforce.rugby

Seems particularly ridiculous to have played Proctor ahead of Kuenzle against the Lions now. Lots of work to do on the centre pairing with Tomkinson departing too.

 

[Rugby Mum 2]

And that sums up the Western Force in a nutshell - no player loyalty, poor selections leading to a lack of combinations and always looking for the next shiny object. Why play Matt Proctor at all when they knew he was going (even though he had a good game and would be an asset). Maybe the coaching group needs to take some learnings from the last few seasons and work on their rugby brains.