Queensland Reds 2025

[PhilClinton]

Lachlan Maranta would probably take the cake. Bennett is his Godfather and still booted him from the Broncos.

Totally forgot about him!!

Went to Terrace as well so would have played a fair bit of rugby.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Nah - he's on $1M a year. Sharks haven't really looked like making a Grand Final, he's played like shit in State of Origin and there is talk he may even move positions.

I didn't say he was terrible - but I think he's overpaid for what he is bringing to the Sharkies.

He's a no.2 but they are paying him no.1 guy money. If he was the five-eight outside a good half the team would be awesome but they have it ass about.

 

[Wilson]

Lachlan Maranta would probably take the cake. Bennett is his Godfather and still booted him from the Broncos.

He wasn't exactly expensive though. Definitely not a move that came off but he came on a base contract (~$70k I think?) and didn't show much. Not really any different to a club guy who gets a single season call up but doesn't cut it.

 

[Ignoto]

He wasn't exactly expensive though. Definitely not a move that came off but he came on a base contract (~$70k I think?) and didn't show much. Not really any different to a club guy who gets a single season call up but doesn't cut it.

You're completely right, but if we're talking about complete failures, he is/was up there!

Vunivalu has been more a disappointment. He's had his good moment but every good game was just a false dawn for us. I really thought he was going to kick on this year when we saw him being used more and more as a crash baller and he would consistently get over the adv line.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Disappointment is the right term. I think we all hoped he'd be Lote 2.0 but it never really got started.

He's a physical specimen but staying on the field and getting involved seemed impossible. I think the NH leagues expect a lot from outside backs as well and Japan seems appropriate for a guy like this to score a try every couple of games and look the part.

 

[Sword of Justice]

Cross had a background in Rugby. Was an Australian Schoolboy out of Waverley. Wish we had him his entire career.

I think I heard Gus say about him that his goal was always to be a Wallaby and they sold their development as being the best chance of accomplishing that.

 

[Strewthcobber]

I know it's not quite the same, but all I'm doing reading these names is thinking "He's no Goromoru"

 

[PhilClinton]

I know it's not quite the same, but all I'm doing reading these names is thinking "He's no Goromoru"

Yeh I considered whether the Big Gozza should be included in this group.

But at least he provided a level of genuine overseas hype, and I am sure the Reds sold more than a couple of their 'Goromaru Memberships' to Japanese fans which probably paid for the end of year Christmas party.

 

[Ras]

the Japanese sniper, the goal kicking routine and approach is stuff of legend.

(Pretty sure he actually had a bang average percentage here tho lol)

 

[SamoanNo8]

Who’s the bloke in the photo from Reds’ socials today saying “Look who’s arrived at Ballymore”???

 

[Wilson]

Who’s the bloke in the photo from Reds’ socials today saying “Look who’s arrived at Ballymore”???

Jude Gibbs, utility back signed from Nothern Suburbs in the Shute Shield

 

[SamoanNo8]

Jude Gibbs, utility back signed from Nothern Suburbs in the Shute Shield

Roger that

 

[SamoanNo8]

Yeah I have seen every single reds game of the years listed above by Phil and I had to google Nabuli because I couldn’t even remember what he looked like.

You’re kidding?
Nabuli would have been the Reds’ best outside back over ~3 years, and was duly rewarded with Test selection as a consequence.

 

[Spamnoodle]

You’re kidding?
Nabuli would have been the Reds’ best outside back over ~3 years, and was duly rewarded with Test selection as a consequence.

Yea I thought Eto went okay, he also had a bit of cult following at games with a bit of a cheer of expectation whenever he got involved in attack.
Maybe not the best but I recall some good touches.

 

[TSR]

He had his moments but both his discipline and his effort on kick chase were pretty lacking at times.

He actually reminds me of Suli - I was always waiting for him to tear it up with his obvious athletic gifts and if never really happened.

 

[Wilson]

Knee looking good for Isaac Henry:

 

[Dctarget]

Knee looking good for Isaac Henry:
View attachment 20798

mate and quads, look at those puppies!

 

[Wilson]

mate and quads, look at those puppies!

I think they're Quints at this point