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He was always incredibly likely to sign with an NRL team (and most likely the Tigers).

I heard that the secret $4m clause was contingent on RA being successful in folding the Rebels.

There was a ridiculous article on Rugbypass quoting Nigel Owens who doesn't agree with the 20 minute red card. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/nigel-owens-verdict-on-the-20-minute-red-card-trial/ “As far as the 20-minute red card idea is concerned, I’m not a fan. As Mathieu has said, I don’t...

Sure, but on that basis we should have just missed out on signing him. If the offer of a 4 year contract with the Wallabies that included a Lions series and a home RWC weren't enough of a carrot to entice him to not take up the USA offer then we should have passed.

This was always close to the biggest problem with installing him when McLennan did. The timing meant that it was out of cycle and the talent pool of coaches who would be either available or willing to join would be minimal. You could make a reasonable argument that Eddie Jones was set up to...

Likewise over that time most people would have picked two or three of those guys as being a better option to Sapsford. The concept of giving someone else a go just because other players who have regularly looked superior at Super Rugby level aren't standouts at test level is pointless...

Without a doubt. His form in 2021 when the Wallabies had a good run was outstanding and I'd argue he was the crucial piece to that. I think he's fine but don't really see any more. I wouldn't say he's a standout player for the Brumbies and I can't see him being somehow better suited to test...

@Bullrush @Rebel man time to stop please.

Hopefully Dismal Pillock doesn't find this thread and discover that there's a kid playing for the Brumbies called BJ Pumpa.

I think it is more that there isn't enough money to support 5 professional teams at a sufficient level of quality. You are correct that there are a number of guys who wouldn't be able to make more money overseas (or potentially get a contract at all). If you had more money to pay your squad you...

Is it that the team training is harder or that the expectations and peer pressure to meet certain expectations are higher? Players obviously get smashed in preseasons but in season it's not like you have time to do huge amounts of pure fitness. Players drinking and/or eating stuff they...

What does the US have to do with the NBL? The NBL has a salary cap of $1.95m this season. Comparable salaries to Super Rugby players but the salary costs of a team are less than half a Super Rugby team. That was the point I was making. Why? There was pretty clearly no reasonable alternative...

Likewise we can't afford to lose nearly as much money as the A League teams collectively lose each year.

You've obviously seen him play a fair bit whereas I've only seen some YouTube highlights but I would be very reluctant to try and move him to a different position. We're crying out for guys over 100kg who can play in the backline. If he's got the skills and athleticism to play in the centres at...

We're taking a squad that large because we're playing a series of Australia A games aren't we? I think everyone is in agreement that the Australia A fixtures have been pretty valuable for the next tranche of players coming through so I guess it's the cost of doing business?

I think so. A big-bodied centre and a good athlete. Exactly what we need (Waratahs or Wallabies in the future). Here's some year 10 and 11 highlights.

Zach Fittler has reportedly been signed for two years on an "elite development" contract.

Not really sure what to make of this but I've been a member for over 15 years now...

Two things the NBL has going really well for it is private ownership and availability of quality players at the price point they pay. The private ownership is proving to (mostly) be financially beneficial though. Teams are going up in value and certainly aren't cash draining lifestyle assets...