Rebels3
Jim Lenehan (48)
I have noticed some real negativity is starting to creep back in. Its always been there but people starting to talk random uneducated speculation again.... well more than had been during the super season. Starting to reach end of last season level again.
So in an effort to build some positivity I decided to put together a 23yrs and under squad, just to show the considerable talent coming through the ranks in the last 3-4yrs. Obviously many will continue to come through, but the squad I have put together is rather impressive. Lots of them have already shown they are already Super Rugby quality or beyond. A few like Madddocks, Rodda, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) we forget just how young they are.
1. Johnson-Holmes (Waratahs)
2. Uelese (Rebels)
3. T Tupou (Reds)
4. Rodda (Reds)
5. Salakaia-Loto (Reds)
6. Swinton (Waratahs)
7. McReight (Reds)
8. Valetini (Brumbies)
9. McDermott (Reds)
10. Harrison (Waratahs)
11. Magnay (Rebels)
12. Tuipulotu (Rebels)
13. Petaia (Reds)
14. S Tupou (Rebels)
15. Maddocks (Rebels)
16. Mafi (Reds)
17. Hoopert (Reds)
18. Ainsley/Fa’amasuili (Rebels)
19. Swain (Brumbies)
20. Leota (Rebels)
21. Wright (Reds)
22. Sorovi (Reds)
23. Stewart (Reds)
- The front row could be one of the best u23 front rows in the world, maybe the best
- Rodda has already shown to be our best lock at 22. What’s he going to be like at 28-29???
- LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Swinton already starting to look like men amongst boys
- McReight looks to continue our long history of quality 7s
- Valetini is a wrecking ball (if he’s fit)
- McDermott looks the best talent at no.9 since Genia got on the scene
- 10/12 are a little shallow, but 2 guys with the skills to take the step up with the right opportunity
- Magnay has been around a long time yet so young. I keep thinking he’s 25-26, most wingers/centres are only getting their first look in at his age
- Maddocks is quality and judged like he’s 26 not 22.
- Petaia might be the best of the bunch
- S Tupou has all the skills and is an athletic specimen. Just need to get some experience into him.
The bench isn’t bad either.
It’s been years since we have had such talent at this age. The only way is up for each of these guy, with everyone already showing they are capable at such a young age.
So in an effort to build some positivity I decided to put together a 23yrs and under squad, just to show the considerable talent coming through the ranks in the last 3-4yrs. Obviously many will continue to come through, but the squad I have put together is rather impressive. Lots of them have already shown they are already Super Rugby quality or beyond. A few like Madddocks, Rodda, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) we forget just how young they are.
1. Johnson-Holmes (Waratahs)
2. Uelese (Rebels)
3. T Tupou (Reds)
4. Rodda (Reds)
5. Salakaia-Loto (Reds)
6. Swinton (Waratahs)
7. McReight (Reds)
8. Valetini (Brumbies)
9. McDermott (Reds)
10. Harrison (Waratahs)
11. Magnay (Rebels)
12. Tuipulotu (Rebels)
13. Petaia (Reds)
14. S Tupou (Rebels)
15. Maddocks (Rebels)
16. Mafi (Reds)
17. Hoopert (Reds)
18. Ainsley/Fa’amasuili (Rebels)
19. Swain (Brumbies)
20. Leota (Rebels)
21. Wright (Reds)
22. Sorovi (Reds)
23. Stewart (Reds)
- The front row could be one of the best u23 front rows in the world, maybe the best
- Rodda has already shown to be our best lock at 22. What’s he going to be like at 28-29???
- LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Swinton already starting to look like men amongst boys
- McReight looks to continue our long history of quality 7s
- Valetini is a wrecking ball (if he’s fit)
- McDermott looks the best talent at no.9 since Genia got on the scene
- 10/12 are a little shallow, but 2 guys with the skills to take the step up with the right opportunity
- Magnay has been around a long time yet so young. I keep thinking he’s 25-26, most wingers/centres are only getting their first look in at his age
- Maddocks is quality and judged like he’s 26 not 22.
- Petaia might be the best of the bunch
- S Tupou has all the skills and is an athletic specimen. Just need to get some experience into him.
The bench isn’t bad either.
It’s been years since we have had such talent at this age. The only way is up for each of these guy, with everyone already showing they are capable at such a young age.