Reds 2011

[tranquility]

boys i think you will find that there was something on one of the laptops that cooper didn't want coming out.

not saying any more.

 

[RugbyReg]

just another rumour there tranq I believe.

 

[Ash]

So many rumours. So was Cooper actually caught with the laptops in his possession? Will we even know after the court case?

 

[sudrugby]

Connacht sign Taylor

CONNACHT ARE set to complete the signing of Queensland Reds backrow player Ezra Taylor. The Australian-born, New Zealander will fill the boots left by Kiwi George Naoupu who took up a contract in Japan at the end of the season. Taylor comes to Connacht with several years experience in Super 14, including two years with the Reds and two years with the Otago Highlanders.

 

[en_force_er]

I hear a very very different story to you guys about the laptops. I don't really want to say it thought because it would be pretty easy to track me down based on forum posts and it would certainly be defamation.

 

[RugbyReg]

interesting comments by Link in latest ruggamatrix. Basically saying there's a couple more spots open, but no rush to fill them.

But what he said he's focussing on is rejigging the Academy. Last year it was obviously filled you very young 'stars of the future'. He wants to include a few more experienced older heads in there as well. So its a more legit QLD 2nd type side when they play.

 

[Lee Grant]

That makes a lot of sense if you are talking about the pro academy. The amateur academies everywhere are filled principally with with recent schoolboys who get elite coaching.

You need some hard heads in the pros because they could be needed in the S15 unexpectedly and especially in key positions such as the front row and scrumhalf. On the other other hand you need the cream of the young guns in there to nurture them for a rookie contract the following year and to give them recognition that they are highly regarded so they don't go elsewhere.

You have to get the balance right as there are usually only 10-12 pro academy spots.

 

[rugby_man]

Talking of pro academy spots, I wouldn't mind seeing QLD schoolboys Chris Sautia and Curtis Browning locked up in pro academy gigs. Would give them the chance to rub shoulders and train with the Super 14 squad which would only enhance their abilities. Both very, very good young players. If you haven't heard about them, chances are you will in the next 12 months.

 

[Reddy!]

It's funny how there seems to be more a need for experienced hard heads at Super 14 level than at Wallaby level. When is Cooper going to court? And do you think he is expected to be cleared?

 

[RugbyReg]

Friday is the day. Who knows which way it will turn out. !!

Hopefully the magistrate was at the game on Saturday night and saw how much we need him though.

 

[TheTruth]

Friday is the day. Who knows which way it will turn out. !!

Hopefully the magistrate was at the game on Saturday night and saw how much we need him though.

The wheels of justice always turn the right way and Quade will be fine - might have to pull weeds out at the cemetary for 40 hours

 

[waratahjesus]

The wheels of justice always turn the right way and Quade will be fine - might have to pull weeds out at the cemetary for 40 hours

if he gets community service he might have to spend time at the Force.

 

[Hawko]

if he gets community service he might have to spend time at the Force.

That is priceless

 

[TOCC]

CMC investigation into the QRU over the $4.2million grant wont be released until August now, potential fraud charges could be laid against the QRU over the handling of the money.

 

[RugbyReg]

thanks TOCC, and we shouldn't overlook this:

WALLABIES star Quade Cooper has faced a Brisbane court, admitting to driving on a suspended licence.

The five-eighth pleaded guilty to the charge in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, with his lawyer telling the court it was an oversight.
The court was told that Cooper had incurred 13 demerit points on his licence since February 2008.
Defence lawyer Liam Burrow told the court that Cooper had moved house and did not receive a letter advising him his licence had been suspended for six months.
He said it was an oversight and asked the court to dismiss the matter.
The case was adjourned until Monday afternoon.
A burglary charge against Cooper is due for mention in the Southport Magistrates Court on Friday.
The rugby international has been charged over the burglary of a Surfers Paradise residence on December 6 last year.

He is expected to plead not guilty to that charge.

 

[fatprop]

Wallace-Harrison to return to QR Reds
Wednesday, 30 June 2010

Former Wallaby squad and Brumbies lock Adam Wallace-Harrison will return to Brisbane and the QR Reds following a three season stint in Japan.

The Perth-born forward, who got his professional rugby start in Queensland before moving to the Brumbies in 2005, has signed for 2011-12 and will further boost the experience level at the Reds for the extended Super Rugby competition that kicks off next season.

Reds Head Coach Ewen McKenzie said Wallace-Harrison’s versatility and top level experience will provide depth and competition at lock and blindside flanker.

“We saw this year how important it is to have depth in key positions and with a longer, 15-team competition next year that becomes even more significant,” McKenzie said.

“Adam can play at six or lock and is a lineout organiser, so he gives us versatility as well as that specialist skill set. The set piece is crucial so you need to have that covered.

“He’s committed to the Reds for two years so his experience will be invaluable in our squad development plans.

“We also want competition and Adam is up for that. To some extent he has some unfinished business in Queensland and Australia. He didn’t really get the opportunities with the Reds or Wallabies last time around so this is his chance to make a statement,” McKenzie said.

Wallace-Harrison had represented WA at U19 and U21 level before relocating to Brisbane to study and play for the Sunnybank club in 2000. He played for Queensland U21 and won a scholarship to the Reds Rugby College in 2002.

He graduated into the Reds squad in 2003 only to have his state debut ruined by a serious knee injury suffered just seconds into his first capped match against the Crusaders at Ballymore.

After limited opportunities in 2004, he moved to the Brumbies at the start of 2005.

A Wallaby tourist in 2005 without winning a Test cap, Wallace-Harrison was a regular starter for the Brumbies in 2006-7 at lock or blindside flanker, before heading to Japan following the 2008 Super Rugby season.

“It will be great to come back to Queensland and to help contribute to what Ewen and his team are building at the Reds,” Wallace-Harrison said.

“Obviously, I also have some career goals of my own and, having seen where the Reds are heading, it’s pretty clear that grabbing this opportunity and making the most of it will be my best chance of achieving them.”

Adam Wallace-Harrison
Position Lock
Height 2.00m
Weight 114kg
Born September 24, 1979, Perth, WA
Representative honours: WA U19, WA U21, Australian Rugby Shield, Qld U21, Wallaby Spring Tour 2005, Australia A, Canberra Vikings 2007 ARC
Super Rugby debut 2005 v Sharks (for Brumbies)
Super Rugby Points 15 (3t) (for Brumbies)
Super Rugby Caps 37 (for Brumbies)
Qld debut: 2003 v Crusaders
Qld caps: 2

 

[TOCC]

thats a surprise, however i guess he does add a bit of extra bulk to the pack and provides more depth in those positions.

 

[TOCC]

likely lineups?
obvious conjecture been over the starting openside position, i wouldnt be surprised to see Ewen play Gill there, but i reckon he might be more inclined to go with Tomiki to start with and bring Gill off the bench.

1. Ben Daley
2. Saia Fainga'a
3. James Slipper
4. Rob Simmons
5. James Horwill
6. Scott Higginbotham
7. Lei Tomiki
8. Leroy Houston
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Rodney Davies
12. Anthony Fainga'a
13. Will Chambers
14. Digby Ioane
15. Peter Hynes

16. James Hanson
17. Greg Holmes
18. Van Humphries
19. Jake Shatz
20. Ben Lucas
21. Ben Tapuai
22. Luke Morahan

Guy Shepherdson
Albert Anae
Adam Wallace-Harrison
Radike Samo
Liam Gill
Kimani Situati
Dominic Shipperly
Ed Quirk

 

[RugbyReg]

happy with that. I think Samo will be an impact player with little backing up ability.

Remember also that, as far as I'm concerned, AWH played his best footy for the Brumbies at Number 8 too!

 

[Lee Grant]

AWH is a Alister Campbell kind of player - Nice As Pie.

NAP players are so bloody frustrating: they're big enough and ugly enough and they look good and probably smell good, but they don't play good. They're big, ball watching galoots, who steal oxygen and pick up their pay.