KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I think that was just Buzz looking for something to write while he was having his brekkie beers. I know a lot of his school cohort, think he's pretty happy in Sydney.
Waratahs 2026
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Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Probably - Porecki has had a pretty heavy injury run and he was reportedly looking at retiring after the end of year tour, so I don't think this will be a huge surprise for them hearing it now.
I doubt it would've effected Vailanu's decision much though - he still had a year or so to go on his path to wallabies eligibility and little chance to pass a bunch of guys operating at or above his level already qualified. Heaven is probably the bigger question mark given he signed elsewhere so much earlier.
Blazing Saddles
Ted Fahey (11)
I would say look at faessler and where he is ranked now, when he played here for Randwick Wes was far better, he will make a go of it, lineout throws are much improved
That whole Warringah front row look better half the blokes with super contracts...
Jaiden Christian gives off Meafou vibes. Too fat but an off-season on the treadmill and could be anything.
Tevita Alatini looked the goods last weekend too. Shame he's signed to the Brums.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Is Goddard a chance to feature for the Woodies come finals post ACL?
He’s a kid I hope to see come through.
He’s a kid I hope to see come through.
Was playing 2nd grade so not for first grade if he does
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Fair enough. Thanks for the info. Hope to see him get some on field time prior to a pre season even though he’s likely a 2027 prospect
He is behind Lachie Albert & Matt Gonzalez.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I’m talking about a Prop. Both those guys are halfbacks.
This guy.
waratahs.rugby
Will Goddard | Player Profile | NSW Waratahs
Discover everything you need to know about Will Goddard, the talented Waratahs Academy Prop . Our comprehensive profile includes stats, highlights, and insights into their playing style and career highlights. Get up close and personal with one of Australia's top rugby stars.
waratahs.rugby
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Andrew Ready is still playing first grade for Easts in Brisbane this year. He could be a solid option for the tahs at hooker for a year or 2 if they've got young guys coming through who aren't quite ready to go yet, or the hopes of signing someone better who doesn't come off contract until '27. He's a bit of a gamble from a discipline perspective, but he's also a seasoned pro which there may not be too many of available if they're required to sign someone Australian qualified in the position by RA.
Alternatively Theo Fourie is turning out for the Reds in Tonga this weekend, but there's no chance the Reds are looking for another hooker so he'll be on the market. He was at the tahs last year so could be a solid option, but they'd want to be pretty confident in Dobbins as the number two. Fourie is realistically a (small) step down from him, particularly given Dobbins effectively replaced him at both the Rebels and the tahs. He is only 24 though, so could be a much longer term play than someone like Ready.
I still think Tom Horton would probably offer more than either of these guys though.
Alternatively Theo Fourie is turning out for the Reds in Tonga this weekend, but there's no chance the Reds are looking for another hooker so he'll be on the market. He was at the tahs last year so could be a solid option, but they'd want to be pretty confident in Dobbins as the number two. Fourie is realistically a (small) step down from him, particularly given Dobbins effectively replaced him at both the Rebels and the tahs. He is only 24 though, so could be a much longer term play than someone like Ready.
I still think Tom Horton would probably offer more than either of these guys though.
With the recruitment of Moananu and the retention of Ethan Dobbins do the Tahs just try and fill that third string spot with a younger development player they think might have a decent ceiling in the next couple of years?
It's not ideal but I wouldn't have thought Ready or Horton really add much to that.
It's not ideal but I wouldn't have thought Ready or Horton really add much to that.
Quicktapsonly
Sydney Middleton (9)
Pretty sure I’ve seen across the forum Ready is hanging up the boots after this QPR season.
Major Tom
Colin Windon (37)
Who would that be though?
Max Craig would be one but not sure he’s got a high ceiling. Onita Finua?
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
It's really just a question of whether or not there's one ready to go, and that's always a bit tougher for a young player in the tight 5. It might be a bit easier if Tupou and Bell were still there but without them there's going to be a lot more pressure coming on a scrum time. Super Au will reveal more as someone is going to need to partner Dobbins for that.
It's probably not a question of either or though - most sides use 4 hookers (some as many as 5) in a season. Bringing in a stop gap pro for next year isn't necessarily going to get in the way of a younger player, and it's much harder to manage if they're a late call up.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
I've heard that too, but impending retirement isn't so permanent when the player is still on the field week to week. I still think Horton looks like the best bet though.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I'd run with Finau and potentially Thomas from the Rats who is having a great year. Horton is ready to play at the level so I get the security aspect of it but also hate the idea that bringing a guy like that in who we all know the level he can play risks losing younger guys who then see the path blocked and it's blocked by average players who can very quickly be gone from pro Rugby and you are left with nobody.