And the winner is...

[RugbyReg]

Significantly, because of the new home-and-away system, there will be 20 all-Australian local derbies each season

that's not a massive selling point is it? They haven't really been cracking games.

 

[Lee Grant]

I like the idea of Melbourne being able to use more overseas players initially and have said so a few times as I did on the other forum before the Force started. I also thought that they should have got a leg up for the ARC, but they did pretty well without it.


Common sense did not prevail for the Force startup, in fact I can't remember the possibility of the Force getting a leg up being mentioned much at all. How much better for the Reds that would have been? The Force will be whingeing that they didn't get the deal in 2006 being mooted for Melbourne in 2011, but deep down they will be relieved about the proposal because there will be less likelihood of their players being pillaged.


But the foreign players will cost money. The Melbourne franchise should be the principal fundraiser. Let's see if the interest in an international game of international companies who have their Oz HQs in Melbourne, is as robust as legend has it.

 

[James Buchanan]

Re: Melbourne

:thumb

and it only gets better from here

 

[Blue]

Significantly, because of the new home-and-away system, there will be 20 all-Australian local derbies each season

that's not a massive selling point is it? They haven't really been cracking games.

They have been horrible for the last two years. I still want my money back including the petrol money to Canberra for one.

 

[Cutter]

One reason they have been horrible is because of the limited number and the perception that the Wallabies selectors pay particular attention to such games. Hopefully teams will feel slightly relieved of some inhibitions and be more willing to play attractive rugby.

I think there should be a 5th option - Argentina.

 

[Thomond78]

Just a bit bitter at the moment, will get over it.

Just been to PR to blow off proper steam.

Thanks for the warning. I shall stay away from PR for a while.

No worries if you dont understand Namakwalands.

Hope and brei, ne, Oom...?

 

[Pfitzy]

Well, while the peanut gallery amuses itself...

This is a good decision for Aussie Rugby and the SuperXX rugby itself, which threatens to become stale. What is really interesting is the effect the imports concession will have on the whole comp. Wouldn't it be great to see the ARU and NZRFU relax the conditions and allow players anywhere in the comp as the rebel bid in 1995 proposed?

One of the best bits about this is the square field games in Melbourne will get a dedicated stadium. Even if one of them is kevball.

 

[PaarlBok]

Just a bit bitter at the moment, will get over it.

Just been to PR to blow off proper steam.

Thanks for the warning. I shall stay away from PR for a while.

No worries if you dont understand Namakwalands.

Hope and brei, ne, Oom...?

Actually enjoyed it a bit, no Aussie only some Kiwis referring to TSF, some Ali arrogant prick and some weird blackblackblackblack dumb fuck try to post in boer.

 

[Ash]

Being a Reds fan, I am not selfish.

We could give the Melbourne team, say, Luafutu, Va'aulu, Jack Kennedy, Dayna Edwards, Van Hymphries and Blair Connor. Take maybe A. Finger too, maybe Say It's a Finger can stay at the Reds. Sean Hardman can head off too (as part of his retirement).

From the Tahs can go Barnes, (Benn) Robinson, Freier and Palu. T. Carter should stay at the Tahs; he's a star and key crowd puller there.

with regards the poll, just for he sake of most numbe of players off contract (again) it has to be the Reds:

Reds: Rodney Davies, Robert Simmons, James Hanson, Quade Cooper, Ben Lucas, Poutasi Vaiofiso Tuasivi Luafutu, Brando Vaalu, Saia Fainga'a, Anthony Fainga'a, Jack Kennedy, Scott Higginbotham, Laurie Weeks, Dayna Edwards, Ezra Taylor, Peter Hynes, Morgan Turinui, Adam Byrnes, Sean Hardman,Van Humphries, Blair Connor

Tahs: Berrick Barnes, Chris Thompson,Benn Robinson, Daniel Halangahu, Tom Carter, Cam Jowitt, Wycliffe Palu, Adam Freier, Scott Fava, Nemani Nadolo

Brumbies: Afusipa Taumoepeau, Matt To'omua, Alifeleti Mafi, Christian Lealiifano, Sitaleki Timani,Peter Kimlin, Francis Fainifo, Ben Hand, Patrick Phibbs, Stephen Hoiles, Mark Chisholm, Stirling Mortlock, Jack Vanderglas, Andrew Smith

4s: Ben Whittaker, Dane Haylett-Petty, David Pocock, Josh Tatupu, Kieran Longbottom, Cameron Shepherd, Haig Sare, Chris O'Young, Sam Harris , Nathan Sharpe, Luke Jones, Mark Swanepoel.

Remebering its not just the Melbourne team that will be dping all the recruiting. Just say the Reds lose Hynes, they'll be on the hunt for another outside back etc.

 

[spectator]

Don't know if this question has been asked or not but which S14 or academy players are originally Victorian? I can think of Digby Ioane, Tapuai brothers, Christian Lealifano and Talalei Grey.

Anymore?

 

[Biffo]

Don't know if this question has been asked or not but which S14 or academy players are originally Victorian? I can think of Digby Ioane, Tapuai brothers, Christian Lealifano and Talalei Grey.

Anymore?

Rocky

Tamati Horua, wherever he is now.

 

[Scarfman]

That rectangular stadium looks like fun. Plus, it's far enough away that (a) you have to stay overnight, and (b) wives and girlfriends won't hear anything.

We're going on a tour, boys!!!!!

 

[TOCC]

Don't know if this question has been asked or not but which S14 or academy players are originally Victorian? I can think of Digby Ioane, Tapuai brothers, Christian Lealifano and Talalei Grey.

Anymore?

interesting that you mention that Tapui brothers, because i would suggest that its more then a conincidence that Rex Tapuai has returned to Australia just prior to the new Melbourne teams creation.

I know for a fact that Rex decided to hang around in Australia for a extra season with his brother to find out what was going on down south. Undoubtedly there are dozens of australia players world wide casting there eye south to see what potential there is.

 

[James Buchanan]

Rocky

Tamati Horua, wherever he is now.

Also Matt To'omua was born down here.

 

[Pfitzy]

That rectangular stadium looks like fun. Plus, it's far enough away that (a) you have to stay overnight, and (b) wives and girlfriends won't hear anything.

We're going on a tour, boys!!!!!

Scarfy, yer a genius! Who wouldn't want to be in the first Melbourne home crowd? Thankfully its almost 18 months away so I've got just enough lead time to break the news to Mrs TA.

Now the question is: plane, trane, or automobile?

 

[Lindommer]

That rectangular stadium looks like fun. Plus, it's far enough away that (a) you have to stay overnight, and (b) wives and girlfriends won't hear anything. We're going on a tour, boys!

Scarfy, yer a genius! Who wouldn't want to be in the first Melbourne home crowd? Thankfully its almost 18 months away so I've got just enough lead time to break the news to Mrs TA. Now the question is: plane, trane, or automobile?

Why don't we book a ship? The Good Ship TYS!

 

[chief]

Rod Macqueen being in contention is very attractive for the reds players.

 

[louie]

Rod Macqueen being in contention is very attractive for the reds players.

should be attractive for everyone

 

[chief]

Particularly the reds players who have lacked a decent coach since 01. If Link doesn't perform this year, the reds can say good bye to their very attractive back-line.

 

[RugbyReg]

Lloyd Johansson is a Vic lad isn't he? Anyone know his contract status and recent form?