Thanks for posting that contract list BJ
So contracted players for next year are 24:
- Props: Jerry Yanuyanutawa (2012***), Ben Alexander (2013), Dan Palmer (2012), Jono Owen (2013)
- Hookers: Stephen Moore (2013)
- 2nd row: Ben Hand (2012), Sam Carter (2013), Peter Kimlin (2013)
- Flankers: Colby Fainga'a (2013), Michael Hooper (2012), Julian Salvi (2012)**
- No. 8: Ita Vaea (2013), Stephen Hoiles (2012), Fotu Auelua * (2013)
[That's 14 forwards already, unless Salvi leaves, and it's only 13.]
- Scrummies: Nic White (2012)
- Flyhalves: Matt To'omua (2012), Christian Lealiifano (2012)*
- Centres: Robbie Coleman (2013)*, Ed Stubbs (2012), Andrew Smith (2012)*
- Back Three: Henry Speight (2012), Cam Crawford (2013), Joseph Tomane (2013), Pat McCabe * ***
[That's only 10 backs]
* Can play other positions
** Julian Salvi – may be released?
*** Not yet signed but probably staying
**** if he is selected for Fiji in the RWC he would be considered a marquee player.
• Assuming that all Oz teams can have 30 FCPs (full contract players), including 2 foreigners, and 3 to 5 RPs (rookie players), and Salvi leaves, and Jake wants a 16/14 split, the Brumbies needs are:
Forwards
- Props: One FCP plus one RP.
- Hooker: One FCP and one RP.
- 2nd row: One FCP and one RP (could include a lock/6)
- Flankers: One RP 6.
- No.8: OK
[That makes 16 FCP forwards and it assumes that Salvi is leaving; plus 4 RPs.
Backs
Scrummie: One seasoned FCP, plus one RP.
Flyhalf: OK
Centres: One FCP 13.
Back Three: 2 FCPs preferably all flyers.
[That makes 14 FRP backs and 30 in total and 5 RPs in total.]
• In the forwards the greatest need is for the recruitment of a hardosed back up for Moore. Siliva has been mentioned but he is still a baby and should be earmarked for the rookie spot.
• The next, or an equal need, is for a hard-nosed lock or better yet if the rookie is such as well. These won't be household names and they won't be tall timber either, but they need to be tough nuts. I have mentioned likely suspects like Tom Alexander and Ed Gower before, and I hope the Brumbs have Dave McDuling's phone number as well.
• There seems to be no room for Ben Mowen but if a hard nosed club Super rookie prop is available he could take that FCP spot.
• In the backs the biggest need is the recruitment of an experienced scrumhalf as counterpoint to White. The next greatest need is some more speed in the back three.
• I doubt if Jerry Y would be needed for Fiji with Graham Dewes and Campese Ma'afu available.
• Note: all the FCPs and RPs wearing jerseys 1-6 should be seasoned club players.
All these things have been discussed already? As you were then.
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