Red Runner
Charlie Fox (21)
Kurtley has re-signed now too.
Western Force 2026
- Thread starter Tazzmania
- Start date
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
With Beale, Burey and Grealy who was awesome last year I really don't understand Harford. I know you need at least two 10s worth a start but I'd rate Burey over him in that spot as well without even thinking about Stewart covering 10 if the Force had adequate Centre depth developing.
Wilson
David Wilson (68)
Harford is maybe the biggest issue with this Force squad, particularly because Cron seems inclined to use him. Stewart, Kuenzle, Beale and now potentially even Annan offer a degree of 10 cover too so I really don't understand why he's there.
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
Good for all. New coaches in Newcastle wouldn't have helped his cause if he wanted to stay, but having him be at the Force for Day 1 of pre season is a good result.
Major Tom
Chilla Wilson (44)
This is a solid signing. He's got a big ceiling and the ability to play a few different positions. Great to get him back in rugby as I think he's pretty wasted in league. All the super sides are starting to assemble some really promising young centers. Great to see.
Filipo Daugunu
Sydney Middleton (9)
Seems like an Argie signing from the post. Maybe a halfback? Lock?
Red Runner
Charlie Fox (21)
Oops. Meant to post that in the Reds thread sorry.
todd4
Alex Ross (28)
That would be 8.00am Buenos Aires, sounds about right.
Red Runner
Charlie Fox (21)
It’s injury cover
Moyano, 22, will join the Force on an injury cover contract for young scrum-half Doug Philipson who’ll be unavailable for an extended period due to an ACL injury.
Moyano, 22, will join the Force on an injury cover contract for young scrum-half Doug Philipson who’ll be unavailable for an extended period due to an ACL injury.
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
Was going to say. Feels like a bad one in the way of an Aussie of similar standard but didn't know Philipson did his ACL. When was this? Force Super Rugby Aus prep? He finished the SS season at Norths and looked really good.
Wilson
David Wilson (68)
Force squad for 2026:
Train and trial group:
Train and trial group:
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
I'm assuming most sides have a similar amount of guys on train and trial now when looking at socials of pre season.
2-3 will likely land a deal but even more may be used throughout the year. Only takes a couple of injuries in the same position for any side to be reaching back into uncontracted player pools. A lot of sides have been lucky Super Rugby doesn't seem to have the same rules around the top squad comps like the NRL does for the first part of the season and only being able to use from that group.
2-3 will likely land a deal but even more may be used throughout the year. Only takes a couple of injuries in the same position for any side to be reaching back into uncontracted player pools. A lot of sides have been lucky Super Rugby doesn't seem to have the same rules around the top squad comps like the NRL does for the first part of the season and only being able to use from that group.
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
I wonder if he's not picked up by the Force in the next couple of weeks the Tahs would bring him back in with O'Donnell taking some time out.
Filipo Daugunu
Sydney Middleton (9)
I doubt it. Tahs would have known about O'Donnell for a while now, he disappeared after Rd 1 of Super Rugby AUS as you have mentioned previously. After the O'Donnell problem Ropata continued to be picked in the Tahs team for the rest of the comp. That period was used by most of the teams to clarify their contracting situations by trying new players, it seems likely he was not offered a full-time squad contract offer by the Tahs post-SRA and got a better deal to leave home and train with the Force. The situation is strange though with Taj Annan being contracted for 2026 plus a club option for 2027 based on reports, but no announcement by the Force anywhere. I would be very surprised if Ropata ends up back at the Tahs for the 2026 season. Tahs have got enough coverage anyway I think, the two 12s are Poolman + Walton, the two 13s are Sua'ali'i + Potter (if required). They have plenty of outside backs to cover if Potter is moved to the centres.