Replace with 4. Canham 10. Gordon 12. Paisami. If Stewart is signing then push Paisami, and Flook out one. Lynagh might head back home.2025 Team:
1 - Hodgman
2 - Faessler
3 - Nonngorr
4 - Smith
5 - LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6 - Wright
7 - McReight
8 - Wilson
9 - McDermott
10 - Lynagh
11 - Ryan
12 - Stewart
13 - Flook
14 - Petaia
15 - Campbell
Is Petaia sticking around?2025 Team:
1 - Hodgman
2 - Faessler
3 - Nonngorr
4 - Smith/Canham
5 - LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6 - Wright
7 - McReight
8 - Wilson
9 - McDermott
10 - Lynagh/Gordon
11 - Ryan
12 - Paisami
13 - Flook
14 - Petaia
15 - Campbell
Unlike others I would take Tupou back.
I’d take Tupou back - but he’d have to want to come back.
Peni Revi probably doesn't get re-signed (which is a shame as he is good). Leaves space for another prop. Most of his salary paid by RA anywayAt what cost though? He can be a great asset. And if the cost then impacts investment in other players, I'd suggest there may be better homes for him.
We seem to suggest that the option is yes or no for Tupou. The reality is likely to be yes - with a mandate to no elsewhere. With fixed overall funding it's that second part that is problematic. Though it seems to me that he needs to be prepared to work harder than he was under Stiles. I'm also not currently convinced of his "leadership".
RA pays *half* of a contracted player's salary, not *most*. So if Tupou is on ~$800k then Reds are up for $400k - which is at least one (maybe even two) Peni Ravis.Peni Revi probably doesn't get re-signed (which is a shame as he is good). Leaves space for another prop. Most of his salary paid by RA anyway
I could be misinformed, but I'm not sure it's as clear-cut as RA contributing half (or the RA top up effectively doubling a player's salary)RA pays *half* of a contracted player's salary
Taniela has essentially had 2 years away from playing at his best level.RA pays *half* of a contracted player's salary, not *most*. So if Tupou is on ~$800k then Reds are up for $400k - which is at least one (maybe even two) Peni Ravis.
I could be misinformed, but I'm not sure it's as clear-cut as RA contributing half (or the RA top up effectively doubling a player's salary)
Each player is different, and the contracting approach by RA changes through the years, but the "packages" leaked to the press usually include all forecast match payments for the contract length and other allowances like attending Wallaby squads etc.Are you suggesting that lack of clarity errs on the side of RA contributing more? I'd always assumed with the term "top up" that the bulk of the funds came from the State Union.
Each player is different, and the contracting approach by RA changes through the years, but the "packages" leaked to the press usually include all forecast match payments for the contract length and other allowances like attending Wallaby squads etc.
So to take ~$800k per year for Taniala (no idea if that's true)....~$150k of that will be payments at risk, only if he plays for Wallabies.