Qld Premier Rugby 2023
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The Engine Room
Ward Prentice (10)
Any reports on the Reds Development vs Challenger Game II? Who stood out? Who impressed with their progression? Players to watch next year?
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
I thought Ryan played really well and had a good combo with Grealy. Anderson and Bryant looked strong in the backrow and Toomaga-Allen arrived ready to get stuck in which was great to see. Development XV scrum started very strong with Nasser out there too, great to see him playing again.
For the Challenger side I thought Tautalatasi Tasi was a stand out with strong, incisive running. Also Liam Usher had the play of the day with an unconventional kick off he then recovered to see Mataitini score in the corner.
There's a write up from the Reds here:
Reds Development XV claim wins in Queensland Rugby Challenger Series
The Reds Development XV have wrapped up the Challenger Series across both men’s and women’s grades at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
reds.rugby
SouthernX
John Thornett (49)
Yep Tim Ryan was the standout at reds and Liam usher cameo off bench for the challengers was best.
All in all it was good footy but it needs be reworked (team selections = not rules) it’s maddening you can have 10k for a grand final but then a empty stadium for what is the equivalent of the qpr all star game.
All in all it was good footy but it needs be reworked (team selections = not rules) it’s maddening you can have 10k for a grand final but then a empty stadium for what is the equivalent of the qpr all star game.
SouthernX
John Thornett (49)
Sorry I am unsure of crowd numbers but it looked empty in sunshine… maybe someone who attended could say how it looked from the new main grand stand
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Not sure what you mean by "team selections = not rules" here.
Crowd wise it was always going to be a bit tough in a world cup year with the mood well down and a few clubs running tours to Europe. I do agree there's more to build around crowd an product here, particularly integrating the Saitama game, but anything there is gravy - this game is first and foremost a development and talent ID tool and should be judged on those merits.
SouthernX
John Thornett (49)
I mean it’s essentially an all star game for the qpr competition whilst masquerading as a trial for the end of year tour.
I’m a little confused how some of these teams selected. There was contracted reds on the challengers side and then club players lining up for the development side
I believe the previous format (when sunny coast) was in comp it was a north of river vs south’s of river….
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
I know it looks a bit like an all-star game, but that's not the point of the challenger series. The whole focus is on talent ID and development for the Reds and needs to have that purpose front and center in the decisions made.
I wouldn't be opposed to an all star game being run as well, ideally before the challenger series, but it's a mistake to conflate the two.
The Engine Room
Ward Prentice (10)
So who won the Number 10 battle this week? HMP or Creighton or Pappin? Don't understand how T Lynagh is not making an appearance in these games. Has played very limited games in two years IMO. Injured still/again??
The Engine Room
Ward Prentice (10)
Really?? Suspect is being protected for Reds season.
SouthernX
John Thornett (49)
Yeah no idea what type of injury - he was announced for both u20 and Eddie initial World Cup training squad
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
Many have made it clear at various times that there are four stakeholders that were happy with the outcomes it was producing, and one that wasn't. Fairly easy to read between the lines from there.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
The one stakeholder that is still yet to organise off season rugby for squad development by the looks of it too. The more things change...