Queensland Reds 2025
- Thread starter RugbyReg
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TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Some great things happening at the Reds in terms of recruitment, squad development, fringe players putting their hands up etc
My only concern at this stage is there seems a bunch of key players who aren’t confirmed for next year. Despite all the positivity we still only ended 5th this year and there was still a big gap between the top 4 and the rest when it came to fhe crunch.
Not unusual or unexpected but still a major ‘to do’ is to lock down some of these players.
I’m conscious that the list on page 1 isn’t up to date and I haven’t gone back through the pages but some of the key signings I’d like to see -
- Liam Wright - yeah, our depth looks great but he’s still our best 6 IMO and gives us the type of depth to push forward
- Petaia - sounds like this one is not going to happen but, for all the good things about our backline, we lack size and power
- Fa’agase & De Lutiis (Ravai was great this year but I assume we won’t be allowed to resign him with the recruitment of Gibbon - and fair enough)
- Werchon - a bit more of a speculative pick but Thomas has never really kicked on and Werchon has looked pretty good v Wales & Tonga. Would give us genuine 1-2 punch at 9
- Tim Ryan & Taj Annan - Ryan after a breakout season and Annan a more measured introduction. Both guys young enough to be the basis of the Reds future but also (Ryan in particular) key players right now.
- Isaac Henry - might get pushed out with some of the other signings and with injuries hampering his progress - but has looked good in the limited opportunities he’s had.
My only concern at this stage is there seems a bunch of key players who aren’t confirmed for next year. Despite all the positivity we still only ended 5th this year and there was still a big gap between the top 4 and the rest when it came to fhe crunch.
Not unusual or unexpected but still a major ‘to do’ is to lock down some of these players.
I’m conscious that the list on page 1 isn’t up to date and I haven’t gone back through the pages but some of the key signings I’d like to see -
- Liam Wright - yeah, our depth looks great but he’s still our best 6 IMO and gives us the type of depth to push forward
- Petaia - sounds like this one is not going to happen but, for all the good things about our backline, we lack size and power
- Fa’agase & De Lutiis (Ravai was great this year but I assume we won’t be allowed to resign him with the recruitment of Gibbon - and fair enough)
- Werchon - a bit more of a speculative pick but Thomas has never really kicked on and Werchon has looked pretty good v Wales & Tonga. Would give us genuine 1-2 punch at 9
- Tim Ryan & Taj Annan - Ryan after a breakout season and Annan a more measured introduction. Both guys young enough to be the basis of the Reds future but also (Ryan in particular) key players right now.
- Isaac Henry - might get pushed out with some of the other signings and with injuries hampering his progress - but has looked good in the limited opportunities he’s had.
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LevitatingSocks
Alfred Walker (16)
The Phoenix
Ward Prentice (10)
Agree 100% with this
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Not too surprising given the signing of Gibbon and Rebels player movement, but Peni Ravai has signed with the Drua:
Sad to see him go, but a great pickup for the Drua and great for Peni to get to represent them.
Sad to see him go, but a great pickup for the Drua and great for Peni to get to represent them.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
Big loss for the Reds, he's been consistently immense - but as you say, I'm glad this is the outcome.
Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
We have four international props at both Loose Head and Tight Head; Hodgman, Gibbon, JTA and Zane.
De Lutis and one up and comer is perfect for the Reds as JTA will most likely retire after next season so we need someone for Zane to be coming through.
Loosehead - Hodgman, Gibbon, Fa'agase, Blake
Tighthead - Toomaga-Allen, Nonggorr, Fa'agase, De Luttiss
I think we'll be fine.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Well - he’s big.
He’s a promising young prop. I figure Kiss & Co will be pretty happy with his showing v Tonga and I expect he will start getting Super rugby time next year. But he hasn’t achieved anything of note in seniors and I don’t think a label like that has any real foundation nor does it serve any purpose.
I assume the Reds won’t be able to extend JTA’s contract next year and, when that happens, hopefully De Lutiis will be ready to step up.
surely it's Lukhan right? it's been rumoured for weeks.
and tomorrow he'll be (officially) in Bris with the wallabies squad, good timing for a photo in the reds kit?
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
With Taniela officially at the Tahs now (and never really been in the mix to come back) you'd have to think the logical announcement is LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto).
Unless potentially an overseas signing? Kiss obviously has that connection with Europe. Any notable tall timber who might be making their way over?