Queensland Reds 2025

[JRugby2]

You also get odd bloke vibes from him?

Yeah for sure - one of many examples:

When he was on the Sunshine Coast he organised a "trial" game between Maroochydore - a coast club that didn't make the top 4 in a 6 team comp the year prior - and Souths Premier Grade, for the sole reason of going up against his good mate and old wobs teammate Garrick's side. Just thought the boys would "turn up" for the occasion...

Apparently was 100+ margin within like 50-60 minutes?

 

[liquor box]

We may even be playing in Canberra for that last one.

I think a final in Canberra is our best option

 

[dru]

I think a final in Canberra is our best option

Oh, I agree.

 

[dru]

Reds are just making up the numbers again. They haven’t really improved.

Not sure why Spamnoodle's down vote here. I wouldn't voice it this way, but it is arguably accurate.

 

[liquor box]

Not sure why Spamnoodle's down vote here. I wouldn't voice it this way, but it is arguably accurate.

The way the competition is set up we have done what is required, the only improvement would be a home final, but we are 3 games from winning the competition so that is pretty good.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Not sure why Spamnoodle's down vote here. I wouldn't voice it this way, but it is arguably accurate.

I don't think anyone would be surprised that a Red's forum "dislikes" his comment even if it's accurate

The way the competition is set up we have done what is required, the only improvement would be a home final, but we are 3 games from winning the competition so that is pretty good.

So same as last year, and 2022?

 

[PhilClinton]

The way the competition is set up we have done what is required, the only improvement would be a home final, but we are 3 games from winning the competition so that is pretty good.

That is a very impressive glass half full attitude and you are technically correct.

I think though the reality is we're significantly below the standard of Crusaders and Chiefs and not as consistent as the Brumbies.

Us winning the competition would be an upset, frankly I think anyone other that the Crusaders or Chiefs winning would be classified as an upset. In that regard, things haven't really changed. We are still outside the top tier of the competition, particularly with a few Kiwi teams above us.

 

[liquor box]

That is a very impressive glass half full attitude and you are technically correct.

I think though the reality is we're significantly below the standard of Crusaders and Chiefs and not as consistent as the Brumbies.

Us winning the competition would be an upset, frankly I think anyone other that the Crusaders or Chiefs winning would be classified as an upset. In that regard, things haven't really changed. We are still outside the top tier of the competition, particularly with a few Kiwi teams above us.

You have to be positive, none of our teams are as good as the best NZ teams so making the finals and having a shot at an upset win for the trophy is all we have got to look forward to.

 

[PhilClinton]

You have to be positive, none of our teams are as good as the best NZ teams so making the finals and having a shot at an upset win for the trophy is all we have got to look forward to.

I don't disagree and I'll be cheering them home until its all done.

But I think the point of the posts previously and what has been happening across a few other threads is a reflection that our sides keep falling short despite good prospects each season.

A bit of the sombre reality that the depth of our rugby squads may never get back to where we need it to be in order for our teams to be sitting 1 & 2 on the ladder instead of the others.

 

[Ignoto]

Phil, to fill up your glass, the Crusaders had a injury plagued season last year and look what happened. I don't think it's helped that we have played both the Crusaders and Chiefs away this year either.

For me, the biggest disappointment is the lack of a home final this year. That should be the bare minimum we aim for in this competition as it means we're on the right track and financially should be a huge bonus as it'd probably pull 20-25k in.

 

[dru]

The way the competition is set up we have done what is required, the only improvement would be a home final, but we are 3 games from winning the competition so that is pretty good.

I think that the W/L ratio has been pretty static. I'm completely happy with the way our skills and game entertainment has developed. But at the end of the day W's are what counts. Still, I'll wear this:

I don't think anyone would be surprised that a Red's forum "dislikes" his comment even if it's accurate.

 

[PhilClinton]

Phil, to fill up your glass, the Crusaders had a injury plagued season last year and look what happened. I don't think it's helped that we have played both the Crusaders and Chiefs away this year either.

For me, the biggest disappointment is the lack of a home final this year. That should be the bare minimum we aim for in this competition as it means we're on the right track and financially should be a huge bonus as it'd probably pull 20-25k in.

The Crusaders have also won 5 Super Rugby titles since the Reds last proper championship in 2011 and are in the box seat for number 6 this year. That’s not including the two Super Rugby COVID titles either.

It’s pretty much night and day the difference between the depth in the top kiwi sides and yeh maybe they’ll have an off year or two but they usually bounce back stronger. For example I don’t expect the Blues to falter as much next year.

Aussie SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) teams essentially need a blessed run with injuries to be properly competitive and then we have traditionally struggled to keep the core team together to have repeated cracks. I’ll give it to the QRU this year in that I reckon we should have a very similar team through to 2027 which hopefully aids our cause.

 

[Spamnoodle]

Not sure why Spamnoodle's down vote here. I wouldn't voice it this way, but it is arguably accurate.

Because it's overly negative and demeaning. And arguably, they've improved a lot, don't care about numbers, it's the vibe.b

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Because it's overly negative and demeaning. And arguably, they've improved a lot, don't care about numbers, it's the vibe.b

The lifeblood of Aus Super Rugby sides it seems.

I'd say the Reds play has improved overall. Extra wins haven't come from it but the on field play has been better. This side would be previous years sides in that sort of hypothetical. But, at the end of the day it is about Ws when home finals are so vital.

 

[Wilson]

Another year for Flook

Queensland Reds re-sign Wallabies centre Josh Flook

reds.rugby

 

[Spamnoodle]

Another year for Flook

Queensland Reds re-sign Wallabies centre Josh Flook

reds.rugby

And reading between the lines, the reason Flook and a host of others are staying.
It's the vibe.

In response Ghost. Yes wins matter.
I'd say that for the 2nd year running, some close losses that could have gone either way have dampened spirits and turned into what could have beens. Little micro moments in matches have been the difference.
Work ons definitely. Worthy of handwringing and writing off this team as just making up the numbers? Nup.

 

[Wilson]

Interesting to see Glen Vaihu has been playing fullback for Wests and apparently doing a good job of it. I thought he was already a likely target for the Reds as centre/wing coverage, at least if Henry is done. He becomes a much better fit if he's a viable option at fullback,given Mason has retired. Even more so if we lose Campbell, which feels pretty likely at this point in his career.

 

[Major Tom]

The Crusaders have also won 5 Super Rugby titles since the Reds last proper championship in 2011 and are in the box seat for number 6 this year. That’s not including the two Super Rugby COVID titles either.

It’s pretty much night and day the difference between the depth in the top kiwi sides and yeh maybe they’ll have an off year or two but they usually bounce back stronger. For example I don’t expect the Blues to falter as much next year.

Aussie SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific) teams essentially need a blessed run with injuries to be properly competitive and then we have traditionally struggled to keep the core team together to have repeated cracks. I’ll give it to the QRU this year in that I reckon we should have a very similar team through to 2027 which hopefully aids our cause.

Next year SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) need to look at equalizing the comp somehow. Give one of the Kiwi teams the bye in the first round they typically have less travel. The force getting the bye in the last round and the Reds getting it in the first rd is a stitch up IMO.

 

[Major Tom]

And reading between the lines, the reason Flook and a host of others are staying.
It's the vibe.

In response Ghost. Yes wins matter.
I'd say that for the 2nd year running, some close losses that could have gone either way have dampened spirits and turned into what could have beens. Little micro moments in matches have been the difference.
Work ons definitely. Worthy of handwringing and writing off this team as just making up the numbers? Nup.

It's frustrating to miss out on the close wins. That was our issue last year as well. But what gives me comfort is the squad depth we're building. Got absolutely smashed with injuries but have still been very competitive throughout the season. 2 young flyhalves running around that will only be better next season. Got a kid in the centres that should win SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) rookie of the year and depth in the front row (Ross should to come in) and back row (hopefully we extend Uru). Probably the only area of slight concern is 2nd row but I can see us securing signatures to support LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Canham.

 

[Spamnoodle]

It's frustrating to miss out on the close wins. That was our issue last year as well. But what gives me comfort is the squad depth we're building. Got absolutely smashed with injuries but have still been very competitive throughout the season. 2 young flyhalves running around that will only be better next season. Got a kid in the centres that should win SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific) rookie of the year and depth in the front row (Ross should to come in) and back row (hopefully we extend Uru). Probably the only area of slight concern is 2nd row but I can see us securing signatures to support LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Canham.

There is certainly way more upside than the vultures already circling Les's coaching upgrade and statements like Reds are only making up the numbers.