Canberra Vikings - Offical NRC Team Thread

[Hugh Jarse]

2015 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship – Marquee Player Alignment:

UC Vikings
Henry Speight
Christian Lealiifano

Joe Tomane

 

[Brumby Jack]

Squad of 37 for 2015:

Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin
Ben Alexander
Tyrell Lomax
Albert Anae
Robbie Abel
Connal McInerney
Allan Ala'alatoa
Phil Kite
Sione Talua
Rory Arnold
Blake Enever
Gareth Clouston
Dave McKern
Jordan Smiler
Dean Oakman-Hunt
Michael Oakman-Hunt
Rowan Perry
Dan Penca
Ita Vaea
Jarrad Butler (c)
Joe Powell
Brent Hamlin
Mitch Third
Christian Lealiifano
Rod Iona
Jerome Nuimata
Lausii Taliauli
Jake Rakic
James Dargaville
Frankie Fainifo
Nigel Ah-Wong
Henry Speight
Jake Knight
Ratu Tagive
Joe Tomane
Isaac Thompson
Aidan Toua

Not considered due to injury:
Rutikha Ilolahia
Jamie Marmont
Keith Morgan
Jordan Fulavai
Andrew Barrell

 

[Jagman]

Vikings should be out and out favourites with that squad. On paper at least they just shot well ahead of the Rising.

 

[RugbyReg]

Vikings should be out and out favourites with that squad. On paper at least they just shot well ahead of the Rising.

agree, that's the best squad I've seen.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

If the Vikings don't win with that squad then they should fold before next season. How are any of the NSW teams supposed to compete with that.

 

[Stallion]

Undoubtedly one of the best forward packs in the comp. Wow.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Welcome back Frankie F. The fastest man in Super rugby (after one chase to run down Brian Habana from about 10m behind )

Quite a few unfamiliar names (at least to me). Will the Vikings be posting some profiles of the new players?

Good to be able to see Jordan Smiler go around again before he goes O/S.

 

[qwerty51]

Is Sean Doyle injured?

 

[Highlander35]

Is Staniforth injured or at one of the other sides? And does this confirm the departure of Ruan Smith?

 

[Brumby Runner]

I believe Ruan is committed and maybe has already left for Japan, but only until early next year. Still in negotiations to return to the Brumbies for next year apparently.

Not sure about Tom S. Just won an award at the Brumbies.

Wondering too about Michael Dowsett. Is he injured?

 

[BlueBagger]

I believe Ruan is committed and maybe has already left for Japan, but only until early next year. Still in negotiations to return to the Brumbies for next year apparently.

Not sure about Tom S. Just won an award at the Brumbies.

Wondering too about Michael Dowsett. Is he injured?

Staniforth and Dowsett are both having stints with the Country Eagles.
And apparently Sean Doyle has left the Brumbies. Apparently Brumbs weren't happy with a few indiscretions. Most recently a Red card in the local comp, failing to attend judiciary. Paid out the last year of his 2 year deal.

 

[No.8]

Good squad - but come on where are the Qbn players? Great to see Penca there - one of the best players in the John I Dent over a number of years.

What about Barbaro, Tai Valeni and by far the best 8 in the comp this year - Oj Noa....surprising not to see more Qbn players in the squad considering they had a dominate forward pack this year.

 

[Slim 293]

Benny A missing out on the Wobs will be a big boost for the Vikings..........

A lot of talk about the Vikings forwards, which is quite impressive, but they might be weak at 10 with Lilo likely going to the RWC..........

Possible team:

1. Ala'alatoa
2. Anae
3. Alexander
4. Arnold
5. Enever
6. Smiler
7. Butler
8. Vaea

Christ, that is pretty damn good............

9. Powell
10. Thompson/Iona
11. Tailauli/Coleman
12. Coleman/Ah Wong
13. Ah Wong/Dargaville
14. Dargaville
15. Toua

 

[Slim 293]

I must say it's a little strange having a Canberra product such as Tom Staniforth being exported over to the Eagles............

 

[qwerty51]

I must say it's a little strange having a Canberra product such as Tom Staniforth being exported over to the Eagles....

Probably to strengthen the Eagles? The NSW squads are certainly more weak in the pack than the big 3.

 

[Slim 293]

No doubt, especially with Arnold and Enever in the Vikings squad...........

I thought it might've made more sense to lend them one of those guys, but obviously quite understandable to pick the best two guys available to you first.

 

[No.8]

Yes very strange....is Staniforth still contracted with the Brumbies?

If I was him I would be looking else where to get a full-time professional gig....he is a good young, aggressive player....who could one day be an international level player...

 

[Slim 293]

He's still young though.........

Still requires further development before he can become a Super Rugby regular.

 

[No.8]

Still unbelievable that the Whites only had 2 players selected - maybe some of these guys should of played for the Eagles?

 

[Brumby Jack]

On Tom Staniforth...

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...-in-new-zealands-itm-cup-20150805-gis0t4.html