Queensland Reds 2025

[TSR]

Honestly when the Reds picked up Fez I never imagined he’d turn into the player he has. I’m not surprised he wasn’t considered a prime signing at the time. Although maybe people in the know thought differently I guess.

 

[PhilClinton]

Yeh Pup seems to be pretty good at player identification. He played a big hand in Wilson and McReight coming through the Brothers academy. And it was a big call for him to sign Fez to Randwick, he hadn’t brought many other QPR blokes down to Sydney in the 5 odd years he spent there.

 

[dru]

Question to the crowd - is Richie Asiata capable of overthrowing Fez as Qld’s no 1 no 2?

He seems to me to be the Isaac Henry of our forward pack - plenty of talent but keeps getting derailed by injuries.

But when he’s fit he seems to me to have all of the fundamentals of playing hooker plus a bit more size and power in his carries and tackles. From recollection his lineout throwing can be a bit sketchy at times but seemed on point at Bristol (although I do remember at least 1 low throw to 2 that I remember thinking a better defence would pick off. But only 1 I noticed).

Im a big fan of both Fez and Josh Nasser. I would actually have Nasser as my third Wallaby hooker at the moment in front of Polard but whilst I think both Fez and Nasser are extremely reliable I don’t think either can match the impact we see from sone of the world’s best hookers at the moment.

Interested in the views of others on here.

The line-out is Asiata's "achilles heel". He's probably a better scrummager than Fez (let alone his field work). Unfortunately the throw is fundamental in my eyes.

I can't see Fez, Asiata and Nasser all at the Reds after 2025. Don't forget Blake (I suspect he could already offer back up hooker to any injuries) and Craig also in the squad. Something is going to give as we go forward.

Anything can happen during the fullness of a season but right now it is hands down the Fez for me. Nasser may have plenty to say on the matter as well.

We have the classic environment for competition to push all of them, so perhaps a really good thing for now.

 

[Ignoto]

Interested in the views of others on here

My only gripe with Josh is, the back to back injuries he's suffered has impacted his ability to put on mass. As a result, hes a tad under developed for a position that needs strength and weight.

I was surprised to see him get a gig at the Wallaby level, and while you cant question his woke ethic, I do have concerns about the set pieces taking a step back.

For me I've always liked the explosivness Richie brings to a game. He has great leg drive in contact and I think he's a great impact player with Matt setting the pace to start with.

 

[tig]

Asiata can be an emergency prop if necessary - he played there a bit at Easts with Andrew Ready hooking.

 

[TSR]

Which is useful - but given our stable of props I’m hoping we don’t need to use him there.