Queensland Reds 2025

[Wilson]

If we do lose Campbell I wouldn't be amazed to see Flook shift to fullback. He has the attributes required, plenty of rugby smarts and solid back 3 experience. Pace might be a question but he's not a slow player.

 

[Ignoto]

Letting them leave has allowed the current group to exist.

I'd probably add, that none of those who've left (outside of Stewart) were designated squad centres. James was a 10 who covered 12/13/15. Annan was a Full Back who got shifted as a makeshift 13 and JP was primarily used on the wing and 15.

Injury and suspensions have big the biggest disruptor of those who have primarily played 12/13 over the last 2 years.

 

[Dctarget]

Any chance we'll see Petaia back next season? Or if union it'll be euro/yen?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

If we do lose Campbell I wouldn't be amazed to see Flook shift to fullback. He has the attributes required, plenty of rugby smarts and solid back 3 experience. Pace might be a question but he's not a slow player.

Good shout. It's recency bias but having ripped the hammy off the bone according to one article I can't help but grimmace at the though of the extra kms in the legs. I think he'd be fine for speed and his footy brain would have him positionally cover any bit of speed he lacks.

Any chance we'll see Petaia back next season? Or if union it'll be euro/yen?

Nah, not next year. I don't expect him to play a min of in-season NFL but I reckon he sticks out the year at least like LRZ.

 

[LeCheese]

I'd probably add, that none of those who've left (outside of Stewart) were designated squad centres. James was a 10 who covered 12/13/15. Annan was a Full Back who got shifted as a makeshift 13 and JP was primarily used on the wing and 15.

Injury and suspensions have big the biggest disruptor of those who have primarily played 12/13 over the last 2 years.

Regardless, they were still centres depth and all spent a not-inconsiderable amount of time there after those above them on the list became unavailable. FWIW, Annan was also definitely listed as a centre in the squad list.

 

[Wilson]

Any chance we'll see Petaia back next season? Or if union it'll be euro/yen?

Outside chance for the World Cup year, but we won't have any idea until the season kicks off over there

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

He's got a 3 year deal with some Los Angeles gridiron team.

An NFL contract is the most confusing thing in the world of sports. He’s a free shot in the NFL for sides so it’s a real game by game thing in terms of releases and what not.

LRZ signed a 3 year deal with the Chiefs and is already on the Jaguars books.

 

[Braveheart81]

An NFL contract is the most confusing thing in the world of sports. He’s a free shot in the NFL for sides so it’s a real game by game thing in terms of releases and what not.

Also seems like there is zero guaranteed money in Petaia's contract. He'll make US$840k if he makes their 53 man roster. If he doesn't (which is the most likely outcome), he'll be on the practice squad and will make US$250k. That's still good money but it will be interesting to see whether he wants to persist in that role.

 

[Major Tom]

With Smithy going, I reckon that frees up Uru to be given a pay increase + hopefully a Wallaby top up.

We probably then need to find the next generation of tall timber and start bringing them into the professional fold and get some weight onto their growing frame.

Will Ross. But he's like 17 and a way off.

 

[Major Tom]

Regardless, they were still centres depth and all spent a not-inconsiderable amount of time there after those above them on the list became unavailable. FWIW, Annan was also definitely listed as a centre in the squad list.

Yeah a centre who could play fly half and fullback.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

That's 5 years until he's effective at Super Rugby level. Might debut earlier but physically they big guys need time.

Lachlan Shaw at the Brums is 21 and looks still below whats required but has everything to suggest he'll be fine in time.

 

[Major Tom]

Any chance of luring Hockings back? Probably too expensive and contracted. Could we tempt him with the World Cup? And the Japan blood rules might be a factor?

 

[PhilClinton]

Any chance of luring Hockings back? Probably too expensive and contracted. Could we tempt him with the World Cup? And the Japan blood rules might be a factor?

Doesn't he become eligible for Japan national team this year?

 

[Strewthcobber]

Any chance of luring Hockings back? Probably too expensive and contracted. Could we tempt him with the World Cup? And the Japan blood rules might be a factor?

Eddie will select Hockings to play for Japan against Wales on 5 July.

 

[Major Tom]

Doesn't he become eligible for Japan national team this year?

He would but aren't they bringing those eligibility rules in which would make it harder to represent Japan? I'm not across the details. If he plays for Japan, it would be a 2yr stand down for him to be able to play for the Wallabies. Just thinking he could be stuck in limbo if the heritage/blood rules blocks him from playing for Japan.
Edit: I see it's for the national comp not the national team. He'll play for Japan.

 

[PhilClinton]

He would but aren't they bringing those eligibility rules in which would make it harder to represent Japan? I'm not across the details. If he plays for Japan, it would be a 2yr stand down for him to be able to play for the Wallabies. Just thinking he could be stuck in limbo if the heritage/blood rules blocks him from playing for Japan.

From what I understand, he will be eligible for selection before any changes to the rules.

 

[Strewthcobber]

He would but aren't they bringing those eligibility rules in which would make it harder to represent Japan? I'm not across the details. If he plays for Japan, it would be a 2yr stand down for him to be able to play for the Wallabies. Just thinking he could be stuck in limbo if the heritage/blood rules blocks him from playing for Japan.
Edit: I see it's for the national comp not the national team. He'll play for Japan.

Not harder to represent Japan. The proposal is 8 players on the field in JRLO must have Japanese blood (and it won't apply to players with 30+ caps). Doesn't impact eligibility for the national team - and you'd imagine Suntory will prioritise their 206cm Cat-A player

 

[Major Tom]

Not harder to represent Japan. The proposal is 8 players on the field in JRLO must have Japanese blood (and it won't apply to players with 30+ caps). Doesn't impact eligibility for the national team - and you'd imagine Suntory will prioritise their 206cm Cat-A player

Absolutely depressing missing out on a homegrown 206cm, 120kg physical second rower. We are cursed.

 

[LeCheese]

Doran is reporting we may see even more forced rests of Lynagh and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) - https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/04/...aled-as-kiss-hints-at-changes-for-drua-clash/

Just pulling the injury updates and details out of this - it's a pretty bleak picture:
Flook - torn hamstring (off the bone), season ender
Faessler - torn hamstring (bad), likely season ender
Nasser - remains injured but unclear details
Blake - syndesmosis, possible season ender

 

[Major Tom]

Just pulling the injury updates and details out of this - it's a pretty bleak picture:
Flook - torn hamstring (off the bone), season ender
Faessler - torn hamstring (bad), likely season ender
Nasser - remains injured but unclear details
Blake - syndesmosis, possible season ender

Debut for Max Craig by the looks of it.