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Yeah, I just saw that in the fairfax piece. Probably worth resting him even if he is available with the option to play the Tonga game after a week back with the squad.

Doran has Valetini and McReight in the backrow alongside Wilson. I hope that is the way they go, it would be ideal for Harry to get time with both McReight and McDermott on the field to make the most of their excellent combination.

Sounds like Nonggorr, Hodgman, McReight, McDermott and Wilson are all set to start against Georgia so won't be available but Lynagh (if fit) might be with Donaldson and Lolesio both playing...

I think there's plenty to explore around moving games - whether that's taking them regional or any of the super sides taking them to Melbourne (arguably a double header might be the way to go there, doing a sort of mini super round), but it can't really happen until the season is extended...

Maybe not, I think it's just as likely he takes the year off to have a crack and then makes his way back to the reds, possibly dependent on cap space (Vunivalu's contract ends at the right time for that though). Most of the talk about the NRL interest is that he wasn't that keen on it, and...

At least the obituary styling is a bit more appropriate for a departure:

Yeah, definitely an option as cover, assuming he is re-signed. Not sure how much his body will hold up though, I think his main role might be as bench cover and mentoring the young guys.

I wouldn't want to see too much of De Lutiis next year, he's still very young. A couple of stints off the bench early in the season to give him a taste and an idea of what to aim for, but then once club starts playing most of his rugby there and getting good minutes.

Gatland has already said he intends to give those guys game time.

I imagine Goldsborough will start to get some time off the bench next year, but he's still got a year of under 20's to play (maybe 2?) so that will be his focus. Dre Pakeho is in a similar position. The main centres used will be Paisami (inside and outside), Henry (inside), Flook (outside)...

Toomaga-Allen, Nonggorr and De Lutiis with Fa'agase backing up is a pretty strong group, particularly going forward. I'd only look at bringing an experienced option in to manage De Lutiis' development a bit, but I wouldn't want to spend too much to do it.

Matt Gibbon and Lachie Anderson to the Reds:

Looks like Matt Gibbon and Lachie Anderson have officially signed with the Reds. I know Gibbon has been playing Hospital's cup so there is a chance at least he will have been training with the squad and is ready to go for this game. Edit: Announcment has them both available...

Might mean both of them are with the squad for the Wales game, probably just enough time to get up to speed as bench options at least, unless they've actually been training with the group for a while.

More news to come, and I'm going to go out on a limb and say they're not teasing Grealy's departure: When I saw that initial post yesterday I thought the "best news yet coming soon" was a teaser for the Campbell re-sigining. Given it wasn't I'm guessing it'll be game related rather than player...

I thought Annan's size was useful in the midfield at times this year and I think they've got him on a path to being a Jordie Barret/Reece Hodge sort of utility. Don't want to rush that too much with a young body though. Aubrey hasn't looked ready to me, though he was a bit better this year. I...

It's starting to look like a strong front row group at the Force - Robertson, Hoopert, Johnson-Homes, Paenga-Amosa, Dolly and Horton with rumours Pone Fa'amausili is in talks and some good young talent coming throuh in Pearce. Only issue with that will be getting them all on the park -...

Harry Johson-Holmes to the Force is now official: https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/07/16/force-boost-front-row-stocks-by-signing-tahs-wallaby-prop/

They have been after him for a couple of years I think. Definitely a loss, but I think it's one we are somewhat prepared for. Not sure it points to Petaia sticking around as much as it is a consequence of Campbell, Daugunu, the emergence of Ryan and a fair bit of depth in that age group for...

They may not be, but Samoa are in that 5th place play off which would effectively be the qualifier and the gap is massive there based on their pool results. Qualifying tournament is a good alternative, arguably better given its more likely to focus on the actual team playing in the tournament...