Reds 2011

[RugbyReg]

So we've got our 30!

There will be rotation a plenty next year, but I reckon a team somewhat like:

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

16 James Hanson
17 Greg Holmes
18 Radike Samo
19 Ed Quirk
20 Ben Lucas
21 Ben Tapuai
22 Luke Morahan

Leaving Kimani Situati, Dom Shipperley, Liam Gill, Lei Tomeki, Van Humphries, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Guy Shepherdson and Albert Anae.

The backrow is probably the most under question. I'd have no problem throwing Schatz to 8 with Quirk, possibly Gill at 7. But its more likely that they will have cameos throughout the season.

Some handy tight 5 depth there now too!

 

[Reddy!]

I really really like that team RugbyReg. I have been criticising Deans use of inexperienced props, but that Reds front row will be looking very nice for it. At the beginning of the year I would have laughed in your face if you told me those 3 would be Wallabies by June.





...I would have also said, "Slipper who?"

 

[disco]

Yeah gotta be happy with that if you're a Reds fan, Link has done really well retaining & recruting & thanks to Deans for giving Daley, Slipper & Fainga'a so much test rugby.

We will have 5 Front rowers next season with test experiance.

 

[TOCC]

Reds have cast the recruting net to South Africa, there is a certain fly-half playing in Craven week with strong links back to Australia who has been offered a contract for 2011.

 

[meatsack]

The 7 & 8 plus the spot next to Horwill will need some proving, but regardless a nice looking team!

 

[tranquility]

may as well give us the super 15 cup already..

 

[en_force_er]

Recruiting an unproven Saffa 5/8, even one that has Aussie links, is beyond ridiculous.

Sure, maybe get some mean young thing. We don't need more inside backs, with the exception of 9 we do very very well there.

 

[Langthorne]

Front row and back row (particularly 7) depth are the areas slightly lacking for me, but in both cases there are very good young prospects who could develop fast (of course the huge improvements in 2010 make us all believe they can take the next step up in 2011).

The locks and back line are both very well stocked and would give any team pause for thought.

 

[TOCC]

Recruiting an unproven Saffa 5/8, even one that has Aussie links, is beyond ridiculous.

Sure, maybe get some mean young thing. We don't need more inside backs, with the exception of 9 we do very very well there.

Based on what, who is the backup 5/8 to Cooper? Ben Lucas probably, but they have him training at halfback... Behind that it is Tim Walsh then Johno Lance...not exactly a abundance of quality 5/8s

Then look at the Force who don't even have a 5/8 except for Stephano Hunt.. Rebels have hilgendorf and cipriani who was signed as a fullback.. waratahs and the brumbies are the only two teams with quality depth in the 5/8 position, and thats because they realise how critical it is

 

[liquor box]

Based on what, who is the backup 5/8 to Cooper? Ben Lucas probably, but they have him training at halfback... Behind that it is Tim Walsh then Johno Lance...not exactly a abundance of quality 5/8s

Then look at the Force who don't even have a 5/8 except for Stephano Hunt.. Rebels have hilgendorf and cipriani who was signed as a fullback.. waratahs and the brumbies are the only two teams with quality depth in the 5/8 position, and thats because they realise how critical it is

It will be hard to get a young kid to back up Cooper, they wont see much game time if Coopers class is permanant and not a flash in the pan.
I think we need to look at a fullback who can step up when required- JOC (James O'Connor) would be a great fit and then he can be best friends with Cooper in QLD. I doubt we can get him back but this is the type of player that would be a great fit.

Is K Beale locked in long term in NSW?

 

[runsonrum]

If it is true that Sam Lane has been offered a contract, I for one hope he signs. From what I have been hearing from friends in the republic and reading on the web, he certainly has a bright future.

Matt Lucas IMHO is not a natural 10 and Walsh, whilst being a fair 10, is nearer the end of his career than the beginning.

Next year; depth in all rosters will be tested and to have a young "apprentice" in the ranks would surely be a good thing.

 

[Cutter]

After being touted by many as a Wallaby option for this season, Rugby Reg (I preferred you when you were Noddy) leaves Van out of the match day 22 and there is nary a protest. Strange days indeed.

 

[TOCC]

Matt Lucas is barely 70kg, he has at least 2 years of physical development before he will be able to step up to super14.

It will be hard to get a young kid to back up Cooper, they wont see much game time if Coopers class is permanant and not a flash in the pan.
I think we need to look at a fullback who can step up when required- JOC (James O'Connor) would be a great fit and then he can be best friends with Cooper in QLD. I doubt we can get him back but this is the type of player that would be a great fit.

Is K Beale locked in long term in NSW?

If your a young 17yr old straight out of school you arent basing your contracts on where you will get starting time, more so on where the best enviroment for you to learn is...

Training with the incumbent Wallaby 5/8 and halfback is a very attractive proposition.

 

[TOCC]

After being touted by many as a Wallaby option for this season, Rugby Reg (I preferred you when you were Noddy) leaves Van out of the match day 22 and there is nary a protest. Strange days indeed.

Rob Simmons was also touted as a Wallaby option this year, James Horwill has always been a Wallaby and Radike Samo is a former Wallaby who can also play blindside flanker unlike Van..

Its not nearly strange at all, more like common sense

 

[Jets]

Also the fact that Van is close to 35 and the Reds now have some depth in the lock department. Van has been great for the Reds for the past few seasons but I think next year has to be a transition to the future. It is also a long season next year so the extra depth will be needed.

I read somewhere that Walsh had retired. Is that true? Haven't seen him in the Easts line up for a few weeks.

 

[RedsHappy]

may as well give us the super 15 cup already..

I have to say that I am really looking forward to going with some mates to the Reds Gala Ball tonight. Partly, it's a refuge to quality and pleasure.

To go from the Wallabies week-to-week debacles and mediocrities and stuff-ups to our Reds 2010:

- a team that was well coached in all departments and always with good team<>coach dynamics;
- a building positive, hard working, always-on and motivated team culture;
- few if any poor selections and generally a well-balanced team;
- superb team work and few if any egos put before team;
- always willing to take calculated risks with flair and guts;
- wanting to think of their fans' motivations as well as themselves;
- intensity and discipline in the big games;
- often victorious against the odds and pundits.

....and moreover a team that went from nowhere to somewhere in a short space of time and brought tens of thousands of newly delighted fans back to the game.

The Queensland Reds.

 

[Ruggo]

Rob Simmons was also touted as a Wallaby option this year, James Horwill has always been a Wallaby and Radike Samo is a former Wallaby who can also play blindside flanker unlike Van..

Its not nearly strange at all, more like common sense

I hope we don't go down this path. The reward for effort method we had this year will do fine.

Man I am excited about this squad.

 

[RugbyReg]

Rob Simmons was also touted as a Wallaby option this year, James Horwill has always been a Wallaby and Radike Samo is a former Wallaby who can also play blindside flanker unlike Van..

Its not nearly strange at all, more like common sense

yeah, that's my thinking. I would have Simmons and Horwill ahead of him. I'd have Van ahead of Samo, but DK's impact from the bench could be huge. But it leaves for awesome rotation as well. Could even pick big Kev at 6 against certain teams.

On a different matter, by Red related, how awesome are the raffle prizes for the Reds Dinner tonight! Well done QRU for actually being a bit creative about it!:

1. BBQ with the Twins: Have the Fainga'a twins and two QR Reds mates host a barbecue at your place for you and nine (9) mates. You supply the BBQ, the boys will supply a meat voucher thanks to Pure Blue Meats, beer thanks to Tooheys New, soft drink thanks to Coca-Cola & a 3 ltr bottle of McLaren Vale Shiraz thanks to Angove Wines.

2. Wednesday Afternoon Sailing on Moreton Bay with Hardy on “Night Nurse”: An afternoon of racing aboard Grand Prix Ocean Racing Yacht, “Night Nurse” for six (6) guests at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron hosted by Russell “Rusty” McCart and Sean Hardman.

3. Diggers’ & Hynesie’s “Volvo taxi” service: Have Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes drop off the kids to school and take part in ‘show n tell’ or school assembly. Obviously Quade couldn't do this one!

4. Triple Ms ‘Off Season Pack’ to the hottest summer of rock ever seen: This rock star entertainment pack includes two tickets to the Eagles, Powderfinger, U2, and Bon Jovi.

5. Lunch with the girls and two (2) Reds players of your choice: Enjoy lunch at Queensland Rugby Club for eight (8) ladies and your choice of two QR Reds players.

6. Get away from it all for a weekend at Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Waters in your Volvo C70: When there’s a bye weekend, get away from the city by jumping in your convertible Volvo and heading off for three nights at Grand Mercure Apartments Twin Waters thanks to Accor Hotels.

7. Play a round of golf with Big Kev and Slacky at Brookwater: Imagine you and a mate playing golf with Wallaby Legend and Grand Slam Winning Captain, Andrew Slack, and QR Reds Skipper, James Horwill.

8. You and eight mates at Bon Jovi live in a corporate box hosted by a QR Reds player at Suncorp Stadium with a beverage starter pack.

9. Exclusive lunch for you and three (3) friends with the Reds Brains Trust of Will Genia, Ewen McKenzie and Tony Shaw at the “The Chill” Summit Event Centre in a private dining experience hosted by the principal of Black Label events: A private butler will indulge you in a 4 course dinner inclusive of matching wines and Australian and International beers

10. Be the Reds Mascot for a game: The chance for your child to run on as the Reds mascot for one of the Reds home matches in 2011 and be a ball person for the match and at the end of the night receive a signed Reds jersey.

11. Marlin fishing anyone? Join Browny and Homer for a spot of marlin fishing thanks to Brisbane Sport Fishing Adventures: Ken Brown of Coastwatch fame and QR Reds prop Greg Holmes take you and three (3) mates for a day out for some deep sea fishing.

12. QLD Reds v Western Force Game Day Experience: Enjoy a VIP pick up service for you and eight (8) guests from Limoso Limousines, to your ten (10) seat box hosted by a Reds player where you will enjoy a $500 catering credits and a pre-match insight from a Reds coach before the game.

13. Link’s Junior Team Coaching Clinic: Have Ewen McKenzie, the QR Reds coaching staff and QR Reds players give your child’s team the winning advantage for 2011 by having them attend a session guided by the Reds coaching staff.

14. Kicking Master Class with Super Cooper: have Quade Cooper as your personal kicking coach for a session at Ballymore. Have your photo taken and receive a QR Reds #10 jersey signed by Quade.

15. Framed Limited Edition Reds 100 caps jersey and cap signed by the 100 caps club (1 of ten)

Number 9 would be my go!

 

[RedsHappy]

May see you there RugbyReg! I like 13 for my son's Brothers team.

 

[RugbyReg]

I'm actually not going. But if you could bid on the dinner for me? Just don't go higher than, just let check my back account......


......


$20. Ok?

Cheers