Waratahs 2026

[Upthemaroon!]

Simone has the Brumbies aura - is he any better or just part of a better program? (same with saders players and my concerns about our new 2)

Isn't that a bit of a weird fallacy? If he is better in a specific program, isn't the other program just shit? I don't think he has been doing that bad at Clermont, but not great by any standard. He is a big body that can also pop a pass when needed, he can add value on the bench or in camp.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

He’s started 42/45 games when available for Clermont. It tells you he’s seen as pretty effective in a comp equal to if not superior in overall strength to Super Rugby. He’s a top 5-6 eligible Centre for Australia.

Ikitau, JAS, Paisami, Kerevi then I’d take Simone way ahead of Stewart.

 

[Uh huh]

Simone has the Brumbies aura - is he any better or just part of a better program? (same with saders players and my concerns about our new 2)

That's a fair point, and it's easier to look like a good player when you're outside the best halves (or at least flyhalf) in the country and behind the best pack. The only way to be sure is to see how they perform at international level, which he didn't do enough of to provide a viable sample.

 

[rugbyAU]

Folau F confirmed for three year deal

 

[upthereds#!]

Folau F confirmed for three year deal

Finally - a long term deal for someone in their 30s. RA is learning

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Folau F confirmed for three year deal

Great pick up and stability in a key spot. Let’s guys like Dobbins be proper back ups. Bit of depth there with Moananu.

Watching the 19s and guys like Mayberry should be locked up and brought through below FF (Folau Fainga'a).

 

[Crashy]

that hanrahan chap was also pretty good as well. If we can get some experienced players back plus bring through some home grown talent, thats a good mix.
When is Swinton due back?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Is a guy like Swinton a must? I like his potential game but was too in frequent. Hanigan was one I would have liked to see stay. He was a different guy in the second stint as a mature aged player. Like Dean Mumm on his second go around.

I think they can make it work with some of the guys there now like Samu, Talataina, Gamble and use these players like Frans while Doyle comes through who looks like he has a chance to be a jersey owner for a decade.

 

[rugbyAU]

Finally - a long term deal for someone in their 30s. RA is learning

Yeah it was a pleasant surprised - expected 1-2 years

 

[Crashy]

any idea why Gamble wasnt playing?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Someone had mentioned injury after the Lions v FNP match.

They were good on the updates in season but not much recently. Bowen, Gamble also didn't play in the SS GF for Easts so has to be something on top of giving non contracted players and Academy a chance to earn one.

 

[Crashy]

ah ok thanks TGOR.
Would be good to hear from them re Reilly. It was radio silence before the Lions / tahs game and has been radio silence since.

 

[rugbyAU]

Gamble was listed as injured before the Force game

 

[Dctarget]

Interesting that Fainga'a has been released immediately by Clermont. Because he wants to maximize his chances of RWC in.. 2027?

Wonder if we'll see him feature on the EOYT.

 

[teamsport]

McKellar wanted him immediately from what I heard as he has had weight issues in the past and needed a proper pre season.

Hearing Lachie Hooper is back to Sydney on EDS or whatever they are called contract.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Lachie Hooper needs to play some footy. Been just a name and injured for what feels like 2+ years. Love to see him in the group but he'd also be a prime candidate to go on a short term contract to Japan which starts in 2 weeks and play a bit.

 

[teamsport]

Lachie Hooper needs to play some footy. Been just a name and injured for what feels like 2+ years. Love to see him in the group but he'd also be a prime candidate to go on a short term contract to Japan which starts in 2 weeks and play a bit.

He has been playing for Northland in the NPC.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Lovely. Going ok?

 

[Major Tom]

Interesting that Fainga'a has been released immediately by Clermont. Because he wants to maximize his chances of RWC in.. 2027?

Wonder if we'll see him feature on the EOYT.

Not sure we need to bring in another hooker.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Yeah, wouldnt be front of mind right now unless a few injuries popped up. Guys like Pollard are benefitting from more games and Faessler probably in the running to go on a tour if fit. Let FF (Folau Fainga'a) get a full pre season in and learn the system. He'll be more effective and better chance of selection if he's playing well at NSW.

Good competition for Wallaby jerseys in a key spot now. Pollard, Faessler, Fainga'a, BPA then the next group of guys like Nasser, Lonergan, Asiata, Dolly.