Queensland Reds 2025

[eastman]

Let’s also not pretend that Mac Grealy is more than what he is, or that he’s a material loss to the Reds.

He‘s had substantial opportunity and while he‘s a hard worker, I haven’t seen him break a tackle nor does he really seem particularly elusive.

He’s a depth outside back with a high work rate and looks to make smart decisions, but you already have a more effective and elusive version in Campbell.

It’s understandable why Ryan would have been prioritired.

 

[dru]

Mostly I agree, but...

Let’s also not pretend that Mac Grealy is [...] a material loss to the Reds.

Of course he is. The loss (or failure) of any player who the Reds have invested in is quite literally a material loss. In the mean time can't we be at least a little grateful and respectful when we lose guys whose development we have been following? We've been flooded by ex-pat Rebels in a situation that is quite outside Grealy's control. He leaves with my recognition and respect.

Go well, Mac.

 

[PhilClinton]

In any case, Grealey is a good young player who's contributed well to the Reds without the reward of tries. Hopefully he'll play at 15 for the Force, which is his natural position.

Natural position at club rugby maybe. But he is still very undersized to be playing the position particularly at pro level.

Regardless there have been better players than Grealy who missed out on squads over the years. It is what it is.

 

[Adam84]

Mac is in a similar vein to the likes of Muirhead IMO

I dont think it's a reflection of Macs skillset/ability, more a reflection of where the backline is at the moment and trying to find that balance, if Mac sat on the end of a backline featuring a few 90-100kg players, then it would be fine, but given he is a small winger on the end of a small backline, there's not really great balance there. Reds backs had some great ball movement and playmaking going on, but when that broke down, they struggled to straighten the attack and get across the gain line.

Again, this is another reason I think Anderson was brought in.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Vunivalu has 80 points from 39 games according to Wikipedia.

I assume those who are don't think Grealy deserves a spot due to lack of tries will be wanting Vunivalu on one wing?

Don't think we will see much of either in Red next year, but I do reckon the winger with 16 tries from 34 matches gets a third highly paid contract, despite all the other limitations, while the one with zero tries from 29 matches gets lowballed by his team and has to find another side to play for.

Pro rugby is what it is

 

[seabasss]

Vunivalu always had a oddly high strike rate, despite him struggle to find his feet in the game. I would say a large majority were close range tries where he was just big/heavy enough to get himself over the line.

Unfortunately Grealy doesn't have that physical trait to fall back on. I've never been a proponent that there is a size requirement in rugby, you are either good enough or you aren't (so many examples of small players that are world class), but Grealy right now isn't good enough in the other areas of his game to make up the difference.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Mac will either keep it going or it will be like Robbie Coleman. Talent is there but when your undersized it's a constant uphill battle to establish then hold your spot when new players come onto the market.

He's a loss as he clearly gets the Reds system and played well under Kiss but will pick up another opportunity. Personally would love players like this to be up-skilled across 9 like Hougaard. At first it seems silly but with bench splits these days some players would be worth their weight in gold if they could cross big positional switches.

 

[eastman]

Unfortunately Grealy doesn't have that physical trait to fall back on. I've never been a proponent that there is a size requirement in rugby, you are either good enough or you aren't (so many examples of small players that are world class), but Grealy right now isn't good enough in the other areas of his game to make up the difference.

100%.

There are countless of examples of small players excelling (especially in the 15 jersey) just look at D Mac or even Campbell.

He just hasn’t shown enough with the ball; he’s not that elusive and isn’t a second ball-playing option.

 

[WoodysRFC]

Unsurprisingly, Cormac Daly has found a contract elsewhere. Appears to have signed with Canon in Japan.

 

[Wilson]

Unsurprisingly, Cormac Daly has found a contract elsewhere. Appears to have signed with Canon in Japan.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1821713254693101956

 

[TSR]

Good on him. I thought he was pretty decent for us, but clearly going to slide down the pecking order now. Glad to see him getting a pro contract.

 

[Adam84]

Reds have officially farewelled Peni Ravai (Fijian Drua), Cormac Daly (Yokohama Canon Eagles) and Connor Anderson (Chugoku Red Regulions)

 

[Wilson]

Reds have officially farewelled Peni Ravai (Fijian Drua), Cormac Daly (Yokohama Canon Eagles) and Connor Anderson (Chugoku Red Regulions)

Not too surprising to see Anderson gone, he always looked like he'd be the one to go from the backrow after not seeing time this year. Good to see he's picked up a pro contract elsewhere.

 

[Derpus]

Shame to lose Ravai - he's great.

 

[Adam84]

At least he is only 'lost' to the Drua and not Europe

 

[Hogie]

Has anyone had a close look at Viliami Lea? I see he is playing 12 this weekend for Souths and contracted in Japan at Toyota Verblitz. He is down as 108kg and with their being a lack of size in the backs in Aussie rugby, could he be a player of interest to an Aussie franchise?

 

[liquor box]

Well done Harry Wilson on being captain during the test!!!

 

[Dctarget]

Can you guys please sign Mason Gordon? He might not be as good as Carter was at his age but he's got a similar lovely pass and looks to have the running game too.

 

[Quick_Tap_Tony]

Genuinely believe that John Bryant will be a force in the coming years. He is young, physical and a workhorse. Super excited to see how he goes this year when given more of a chance.

 

[Wilson]

A nice extra bit of sponsorship for the Reds:

Gullivers Sport Travel jumps on board with Queensland Rugby Union as travel partner

reds.rugby

Good little bonus from the tour matches organized, something like this probably doesn't come together without the UK and Ireland tour later this year