A lot to hopefully re-sign there amongst what is still a very young squad. There are definitely some gaps we need to fill though, even if we managed to retain everyone. I'd love to see us bring in a bit more experience going into next year but I'm also interested in anyone on the club scene people think might be a chance
As far as positions go I think our biggest gaps are in the tight 5, we'll likely need a couple of props and we could definitely improve at hooker. Lock has been a weakness this year too, if we could get an upgrade there that would be great. I feel like it's pretty likely we'll lose Daugunu too, especially if we are re-signing Vunivalu, so we may need an experienced back 3 option if Aubrey's not quite ready.
As far as guys to bring in goes, these are a few who stand out to me and are potentially available:
Bring home:
Brandon Paega-Amosa - Contract status a little unclear, I believe it's through 2023 with an option for 2024. Has just picked up a potentially long term injury which may make it easier to sign him
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - Unlikely he's available but if he is (or the ongoing financial turmoil in the prem sees him offloaded) I'd love to see him straight back. Change in coach at wallaby level may mean there's money available for him again from Rugby Australia
Harry Hockings - Unclear on contract status but if we are moving on from Thorn (and Cordingley) it might be an opportunity to bring him back into the fold
Callum MacDonald - Not sure he had enough involvement in the reds program for it to truly be "coming back" but he is a Queenslander. Haven't seen much of him but he's at 204cm and 120kgs (when he was 19) he's a big unit. Currently over with Suntory, if Eddie has liked what he's seen in the past there may be some Rugby Australia money to help
Samu Kerevi - I know it sounds like a done deal that he is staying in Japan, but on the off chance it's not I'd love to see him back at Ballymore
Lukas Ripley - Off contract at Melbourne, I'm sure they'll want to hang onto him but if we lose a couple of players around centre/wing I'd definitely like to see him back in QLD
Recruitment targets:
Jordan Uelese, Pone Fa'amausili, Cameron Orr - All 3 are off contract with the Rebels and look to be stuck behind star players, I'd be talking to all of them though wouldn't necessarily want all 3 at once. Uelese probably only if BPA is not an option (or it becomes clear Eddie knows something we all didn't)
Chris Talakai - Apparently leaving Bayonne, not sure if he's picked up another contract. Could be a good experienced option to bring in if he's cheap
Matt Phillip - Off contract down in Melbourne and would be a great addition. Sounds like the tahs may have got him though
Richie Arnold - Signed for Toulouse until 2025 but with wallaby interest it sounds like Rugby Australia might be looking for a way to get him out of contract and home. Would be worth getting if Rugby Australia are funding his homecoming
Fergus Lee-Warner - Has been jerked around a bit with the ongoing financial strife in the English prem and is off contract at the end of season. I'm not the biggest fan of him but it'd probably piss Force fans off which would make it worth it
Louis Lynagh - I believe he's off contract with Quins and may have dropped down the pecking order with England. Never capped and with his brother signing on for a few more years he could be tempted to join him. Probably only makes sense if we lose an outside back or two
Club players to watch (by no means exhaustive, just a few who have stood out):
Harrison Lloyd (Brothers) - Experienced prop, probably an upgrade on Zander
Alex Davies (UQ)- Looks like a good prospect at prop
George Francis (Souths)- Not sure about his ability to make the step up to a professional program, but I think he has enough raw ability to bring in for a full pre-season to see if he can make it. Probably only if we've picked up an experienced prop as well though.
Seb Hanna (Brothers)- early days, but has had a cracking start to the season and maybe a good candidate for a dual contract with 7s
Josh Collins (GPS)- need to see more as he returns from injury but he's shown a lot of pace in the past and could be a good candidate for a dual contract with 7s
Feel like there might be a few stepping up at Souths this year, but the obvious ones are already in the academy I think.
