Reds 2011

[scrubber]

the word in the media box the other night was that he's gone.

But what I can't get my head around (besides the whole why would you leave QLD thing) is:

- if he's headed to France or overseas, he's giving up a World Cup chance which, for someone young, is damn odd. And what are the implications of travel for someone with a record?
- if he's headed west, then the ARU were not meant to be signing him until after his court case, then the Force shouldn't be able to sign him until then either.

So in the end, I don't think we will hear anything either way until after the court case. By which time we could have well missed out on signing a suitable replacement (if there is, indeed, such a thing).

Betya pounds to peanuts that when the deal is done with Police Prosecutions and if guilty plea entered there will be a "no conviction" recorded against young Quade which will allow him access to play in Iceland if he wants. Bloody shame if he does go

 

[HG]

I was with a few mates on Saturday night and one of them had been talking to a CEO of a large company that was doing a deal(money) to get Cooper to the Force.
He said that the deal is complete but not signed as yet.

 

[Lee Grant]

Noddy

I assume that the 4 young blokes will be on rookie contracts. They are in the professional Academy this year, right?

Any idea how long their contracts are for?

 

[RugbyReg]

Noddy

I assume that the 4 young blokes will be on rookie contracts. They are in the professional Academy this year, right?

Any idea how long their contracts are for?

I assume the same Lee. Yes, they were all in the Academy this year.

No idea as to the length at this stage.

 

[DPK]

Sorry to interrupt, but how many time have the Reds been refereed by Craig Joubert this season?

 

[fatprop]

Fringe players most likely to be cut:

Tasi Luafutu, Brando Vaaulu, Danya Edwards, Morgan Turinui, Tim Walsh

Is he over his back injury? He looked good young THP before being wounded.

 

[tranquility]

I'm not sure what happened with Dayna, but he is definatley on the nose. He was an excellent scrummager from memory, but a bit of a plod around the ground. I don't think he will be at the Reds next year.

Great news that we have tied up all of those youngsters, I didn't realise that Dom and Kimani would be put in the senior squad so early - but those four are some of the best young talent in Aus at the moment.

Also based on those signings you would assume that Blair Connor is in trouble.

 

[Scotty]

Sorry to interrupt, but how many time have the Reds been refereed by Craig Joubert this season?

Pretty sure it is three times.

Tahs, Saders, Bulls.

 

[Spook]

Sitaleki Timani and Guy Sheperdson are rumoured to have signed with the Reds.

 

[Scotty]

With Cooper likely to stay?

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27015177-5002381,00.html

 

[RugbyReg]

Three good developments there:

1) Shepherdson to sign
2) Cooper to stay
3) Gasnier to go elsewhere.

Timani? Still haven't seen a thing to suggest he's any good. He's big and mobile though, so who knows?

 

[TOCC]

I dont see the need for Gasnier to come to QLD, i really dont forsee much benefit out of it at all. As opposed to him heading to Melbourne, i think there are big pro's for the bloke to head down there.

In regards to Timani, yeah i havent seen much to suggest his going to be any good, however at the end of the day, finding athletic 203cm guys in Australia is hard to come by, and he should by now be old enough and big enough to step up into S14 if required.

 

[RugbyReg]

yeah, I didn't see too much in Chambers and nothing in Saia and Simmons. So, well prepared for Link to make the call on this one.

Am VERY excited about Shepherdson. I reckon 3 years ago, maybe 4, he was the best frontrower in Australia. Was playing excellent form. I hope Link et al can reclaim that form. It is the best signing we could want to replace Weeks. Just ahead of Rodzilla I reckon.

 

[fatprop]

It also fits in with Links mindset on blend, Sheperdson is another "old head" with the kids and Timani has been in a pro program for a couple of years so he has had his core training base built up.

both are looking for opportunities and will at least be good squad players

 

[Ruggo]

This is bloody fantastic news. I was having a shit of a day until now :thumb

 

[TOCC]

yes Shepherdson is a good signing, if anyone can get the best out of him it will be Link, slowly but steadily the Reds front row will develop into quite a strong group. Daley, Fainga'a, Holmes and Shepherdson is a good core group to build from, ultimately i would have preffered to retaing Weekes, but thats in the past.

At the start of the season i would have said it would have been extremely unlikely to sign players like Shepherdson and Timani in the face of the Rebels recruitment drive. I would have just assumed that any fringe player off contract would have moved south.

 

[RugbyReg]

interesting that Samo, Timani and Shepherdson all play for Southern Districts.

The club that Ken Talbot has 'allegiances' with. Ken is also 'involved' with the Reds and is rumoured to be playing a 'big role' behind the scenes to keep Quade here.

 

[Lion]

Re Sheperdson, I think the Reds would be better off pursuing Dunning.
He is off contract at the Force. Much better prop either side of the scrum than shepardson.

 

[James Buchanan]

interesting that Samo, Timani and Shepherdson all play for Southern Districts.

The club that Ken Talbot has 'allegiances' with. Ken is also 'involved' with the Reds and is rumoured to be playing a 'big role' behind the scenes to keep Quade here.

Isn't the club that Kevin Maloney's has ties to?

 

[RugbyReg]

sorry, you are right, Maloney. Not Talbot. Steer clear of Talbot.

Lion, I disagree. I think Dunning's had it. We need a specialist tight head and I'd take Shep every day of the week over Dunning. Loosehead coverage isn't an issue with Daley and Holmes (and some good youngsters).