QLD Reds 2010

[Lee Grant]

As I mentioned on the Melbourne thread - Sam Ayoub (Thurston's agent) is talking to the the Melbourne mob today. At least I think it's today - I missed the start of the radio item.

locks are like hens teeth in australian rugby.

They are, aren't they? A while back Scarfman suggested that Harrison should be recruited for the Melbourne team and I said, steady on, he'll turn 37 during the 2011 S15. Plank was a bit of a cartoon character lock in the 2008-09 season but he may still be of value to the Brumbies. It may also mean that Humphries still has value for the Reds.

Meantime the Tahs and Force are looking very pleased with themselves having picked up the most promising schools 2nd rowers I have seen in years. The Force have poached Luke Jones, the only schoolboy to be given a S14 contract whilst still at school and the Tahs have nabbed Greg Peterson (Dan Vickerman II, I hope) for their Pro Academy.

Geez I hope Simmons comes good this year. I remember telling people in 2006 after seeing him in the Oz Schools comp to look out for him in the S14 down the track because he was skilful and was obviously going to be a big enough man. I added my usual disclaimer: that he would have to prove himself in the grunt work of senior rugby first. From what little I have seen of him he hasn't passed that test yet. [Do Queenslanders think the same or has he been putting in for his team in club rugby?]

For the last two years I have said this is his make or break year. 2010 is his last make or break year as far as I am concerned. He ain't in Kansas anymore.

 

[Geronimo]

He actually went to school here on the coast but plays for Sunnybank. I could not be 100% sure, but I believe that he starts mostly for them when available. He certainly has not kicked the goals all were predicting, but he is big enough and as you very correctly say Lee "it's 2010 or bust"

 

[chief]

I read about Slack having a look at Thurston. I wasn't all for a Thurston move to Union at the beginning. A lot of League players would rather play for the Wallabies than the Kangaroos but they don't want to make the move to Union. For Thurston the cash in Union and the pride of playing for the Wallabies is a lot higher in his priorities than playing for the Cowboys and the scrubber Kangaroos. I think Croft and Slack are right, looking at all the facts, Thurston would draw crowds, Reds could probably play a game in Townsville and have a decent crowd if Thurston were to play. Compared to the mere 10,000 crowd which occurred last time. Not to mention the talent he has in League may be able to be transferred to Union too.

I think Daniel Herbert should definetly have a look at it. And tell him, we are not gonna pay that price tag, but plenty of sponsors could be happy to make it up to that. Thurston hopefully to replace Cooper at Flyhalf or Inside Centre.

Also, I think QLD should look at signing Vickerman, a definite SOS required. What is he studying over in England anyways?

 

[tranquility]

In all honesty I don't think this is a make or break year for simmonds, I think he has atleast 3 or more seasons to show his wares. If you look at his contemporaries in Chris Thompson at the Waratahs - he is four years older and yet to make a mark. Kane Douglas is the same age and is still in the Waratahs acadmey. Both of those players are rated highly.

James Horwill and Peter Kimlin are the outstanding young locks - however almost all of the other lock in Australia have not matured until there mid 20s.

 

[barbarian]

Also, I think QLD should look at signing Vickerman, a definite SOS required. What is he studying over in England anyways?

Economics/Business or something similar. At Cambridge. Yeah, he needs to come back soon, although I would be surprised if he turns out in red. Don't know if they provide an attractive enough product, and he seems a guy who picks and chooses his contracts carefully. With the amount of money being thrown around by Melbourne I reckon that would be the favourite to take him, with the Tahs close behind. He would be on top of my recruitment wish list if I was in charge of any team.

 

[chief]

Yeah well he's setting himself up financially after Rugby, which he has said and is showing is his priority. He would be on top of anyones recruitment list. one of the better lineout options in the world.

 

[Jets]

Melbourne and NSW would also be able to hook him up with some business contacts that would make his transition into retirement quite easy.

I think this is a huge year for Simmons. He developed really well on the Schoolboys tour in 2006 and with the Aust U19 in 07 but seems to have stayed at the same level since. I thought he would have stepped up for Sunnybank this year as they had lost a lot of talent but it was like he was just going through the motions. I hope Link puts some fire up him as he is a great size and that is something you just can't coach. Also he is a really nice guy, this could be part of the issue. Has to develop a killer instinct.

 

[TOCC]

I think Simmons is a strong talent and we should do a lot to retain him, he obviously has the size but has taken a few years to fill out his frame, he could have bulked up in 12months but thats just bulk and not real strenght which takes years of gym work to gain.

I know he didnt exactly set the world on fire at club level, but in fairness locks do generally find it hard to impress, a lot of there work is done in the tight and isnt exactly recognised or visible at times. I think Simmons will partner Horwill in the 2nd row permantley in the near future, whether that is this year or next year i dont know, but considering the lack of academy locks coming through i cant see the Reds discarding him to soon.

 

[chief]

What club is Simmons playing for these days?

I wonder what the attendance for the Ballymore trial match will be? Anyone bought tickets/planning on going?

 

[TOCC]

Sunnybank

 

[Lee Grant]

Jets

Those remarks about Simmons is what I surmised without any evidence. It's the only valid appraisal of Rob as a senior player I have seen. You can't really compare him to Douglas or Thomson at the Tahs, as tranquility did. Although it's true that 2nd rowers don't mature physically until later on, those two didn't have the same schoolboy record to indicate promise at a young age, nor do they have the same natural talent.

Incidentally I think those two Tahs players had better pull their fingers out physically in the Academy games else 2009 schoolboy Peterson will leave them both behind. Mind you: though he was a physical schools player - and why woudln't he be with his size? - he also has yet to make his mark as a physical senior player.

The year before Simmons appeared NSW Schools had such a youngster as he was. Skilful Phil Mathers looked like he would be a Super14 player when he made Oz Schools in 2005 (with the same disclaimers) but since he left school he has manifested the same symptoms as you listed for Rob, word for word.

Now he's a good enough club player for Eastwood but not much more.

I sincerely hope that TOCC and tranquility are right and I get some cyber egg all over my dial. Wouldn't be the first time.

 

[chief]

Without doubt, I think the most promising specialist 2nd rower is Peterson. He had definite class about him, and I thought he really knew his way around the pitch. Definitely one to look out for in the Waratah colours.

Surprised Sunnybank didn't do very well in last years Premier Rugby competition with the current player line up.

 

[TOCC]

no Sunnybank were devastated by representative duties and injuries, Rob Simmons, Richard Kingi, Jake Schatz, Tom Murday and Albert Anae all went to the U20 JWC and didnt return until late June. Greg Holmes, Dayna Edwards, Ben Lucas, Mark McLinden and Digby Ioane were all injured for a large cunk of the season if not all. Charlie Fetoia also obviously injured his neck and couldnt continue to play.

They had a extremely young team this year, they have had a bit of a exodus in recent years and have turned to some of there promising juniors.

 

[Lindommer]

Also, I think QLD should look at signing Vickerman, a definite SOS required. What is he studying over in England anyways?

Economics/Business or something similar. At Cambridge.

Land Economy. :nta: :nta: :nta:

 

[Boomy]

Second from the right....isn't that Tim Walsh from Randwick???

 

[Lee Grant]

That sure looks like Tim Walsh - especially around the head area. The Reds haven't got a full quota of players yet and may be looking for a backup in case the Cooper thingo goes pear shaped.

He was one of the worst flyhalves ever to play Super rugby - in that year that the Reds had flyhalf of the week because they kept dropping like flies.

To be fair, he didn't have much of a go, getting hurt himself IIRR. He looked like a better player after returning from overseas and has been very useful for Randwick this year and keeping a good young flyhalf in 2nd grade. He's not at the Halangahu level in club rugby but he's one of those guys you would recommend as a backup for the Melbourne team. If Harris can get a gig, why not Walsh?

You don't necessarily have to be the most talented flyhalf in the world to be a success; so long as you facilitate the good players outside you. Aussie Chris Malone is a ordinary player in the true, uninsulting meaning of the word, but he's starting a lot for London Irish (Peter Hewat's club) these days and doing a bloody fine job. They're causing a bit of cheek in the GP too.

 

[TOCC]

Second from the right....isn't that Tim Walsh from Randwick???

I thought Vaalu was out injured and was supposed to miss a chunk of the 2010 season, his one player who has never really produced on the potential, a lot of people rated him highly but he never took it to the next level

 

[chief]

Second from the right....isn't that Tim Walsh from Randwick???

I thought Vaalu was out injured and was supposed to miss a chunk of the 2010 season, his one player who has never really produced on the potential, a lot of people rated him highly but he never took it to the next level

It was more of a schoolboy reputation which he had. Failed to develop to the next level unlike O'Connor and Beale. I think overseas could be his calling very soon.

 

[liquor box]

I think they should keep Faainga , he is often mocked on here but I think he has a lot of talent in a boys body, when he gets a little stronger he will start to dominate



I think the Thurston article was just the Rugby Union getting some free publicity for the start of the season, it is a shame that this is how they get in the paper, but it works. The League players use union, so it is only fair that we use them too.


Ballymore needs redeveloping, but if we are trying to build a relationship with Island teams then we should think about supporting a new stadium in Logan, there is a consortium wanting to buil a 25k stadium and this would be an ideal size for S14 most weeks and would also allow for more power at a bargaining table if there is an alternative to Lang Park.

Logan also has the biggest population of Samoans outside of Samoa, if we could get regular games played in Logan with Samoa playing in front of a "home crowd" maybe some of the kids in the stands will want to play rugby instead of league. Lets face it the small ones are 125kg when they are 15 years old so it would improve our forwards a lot in QLD. In return though it would be good for them to play for Samoa.

 

[chief]

I think Logan needs a Premier Rugby side first. Definitely not worthy of a big stadium like that. Skilled Park is nearby. Read in the paper that the Roar wants to make the move today, surely a redevelopment would come out of it particurly if a World Cup is coming our way.