Reds 2011

[Redsfan]

If Robinson finds the form he had at the Tah's I would be happy with him at 7. It would give a chance for Gill to develop with some time off the bench. I can't comment on Tomiki as I haven't seen him play but have heard some good things. Link seems happy to play Shatz and Quirk at 7 too and suddenly the Reds have a heap of options there.

Hooker is the biggest area of concern in my eyes. Fainga'a plays a great role for the team and we need Hanson to step up. His club form makes you think that he could do it but I would be happier if he had some solid Super game time under his belt. Anae is a bit of an unknown. Was and awesome prop at age grade level and Hooker was always where he would end up.

Don't rate Charalambous?

 

[Jets]

Don't rate Charalambous?

He is also untested at this level. I think every other position we have depth at except hooker. I really hope that a couple of these guys get a run and stand up to Super level rugby. I think Hanson is a good chance. He has played well in ARC and NPC and was a stand out for Uni this year.

 

[Redsfan]

He is also untested at this level. I think every other position we have depth at except hooker. I really hope that a couple of these guys get a run and stand up to Super level rugby. I think Hanson is a good chance. He has played well in ARC and NPC and was a stand out for Uni this year.

I tend to agree. I'm pretty confident it won't be a real issue though- Link seems to be pretty astute when it comes to choosing when to play young fellas and not bringing them on too early in their development.

 

[Red Rooster]

He is also untested at this level. I think every other position we have depth at except hooker. I really hope that a couple of these guys get a run and stand up to Super level rugby. I think Hanson is a good chance. He has played well in ARC and NPC and was a stand out for Uni this year.

You have to find out if Hanson and Anae can step up - If you don't then they would be playing for the Rebels or Force so there is risk but it necessary from my perspective to find out - If you show some faith it will bring the best out like it did with the Faingaas

 

[Jets]

On a side note can I be mature and say I am happy to be posting on page 69

 

[TOCC]

I'm confident Hanson will be able to step up to hooker, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he pressures for a starting position at some point in 2011...it's a shame that he is a bit of a lightweight like Fainga'a though

 

[spectator]

How light is he? Didn't he win King of the Gym a month ago? That would mean he is at least pretty strong.

 

[tranquility]

Don't rate Charalambous?

I am of the opinion that Chara will be the better hooker. No-one should worry about him being able to step up if and when required.

 

[TOCC]

How light is he? Didn't he win King of the Gym a month ago? That would mean he is at least pretty strong.

Yes yes, going on last year, king of the gym factors in plenty of body weight tests as well, like heaves and and standing jump

 

[Ruggo]

Talking of pilfering - I heard Link say at a coaching presentation recently that Ant Fainga'a was the most successful pilferer at the breakdown and Braid was ranked 3rd or 4th in 2010

I note in the discussion above that no-one has considered Samo. You may not know that Samo played at No.8 in the second half of the season for Southern Districts in Sydney this year and scored a few tries and played pretty well. Don't forget Ed Quirk as well who came on at 7 in the game v the Highlanders and did pretty well for a first hit out

I would have him peciled in as an impact player on the bench. I can see him destroying some tired oppositions at the back end of the game.

 

[TheTruth]

I'm confident Hanson will be able to step up to hooker, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he pressures for a starting position at some point in 2011...it's a shame that he is a bit of a lightweight like Fainga'a though

Tocc,
how big is hanson

 

[spectator]

OK, from the Reds website - Hanson 181 cm (5'11" in the old measure) and 103 kg. Fainga'a 187 cm (just under 6'2") and 105 kg.

The one thing that surprises me is Fainga'a's height, didn't think he was that tall. Even though neither are beasts they dont appear to be too lightweight. What are Mealamu's stats?

And on Charalambous - if he gets enough exposure at the top level and stays injury free, he could bolt past both these guys IMO.

 

[Scotty]

I reckon Mealamu would be shorter and around the same weight, but he is all muscle. Fa'ainga clearly isn't all muscle.

 

[TOCC]

I reckon Mealamu would be shorter and around the same weight, but he is all muscle. Fa'ainga clearly isn't all muscle.

his stats say 181cm and 106kg

 

[TheTruth]

OK, from the Reds website - Hanson 181 cm (5'11" in the old measure) and 103 kg. Fainga'a 187 cm (just under 6'2") and 105 kg.

The one thing that surprises me is Fainga'a's height, didn't think he was that tall. Even though neither are beasts they dont appear to be too lightweight. What are Mealamu's stats?

And on Charalambous - if he gets enough exposure at the top level and stays injury free, he could bolt past both these guys IMO.

Fainga'a at 105kg - he must be going fishing and have 7-8 kg of sinkers in back pocket

 

[liquor box]

Fainga'a at 105kg - he must be going fishing and have 7-8 kg of sinkers in back pocket

Cut his hair and he comes back to 90kg

 

[Set piece magic]

I know I'm breaking the front row conversation but does anyone have an estimate of the kind of crowds the Reds will get this coming year? 52500 seat stadium, surely word has got around town of their cheap prices, value for money?

Also, how is their push for 15000 members going? They've been campaigning pretty hard from what i've seen and the membership prices are insanely cheap (as a student i can obtain one for 150 bucks, thats 10 bucks a game). So what are we guessing for crowd figures to get the QRU into the black next season

 

[en_force_er]

Cut his hair and he comes back to 90kg

Not to mention he is shy of 6 foot let alone 6 foot 2.

According to his stats he is well taller then his twin brother and ridiculously tall for a hooker when is reality he is probably smaller then average for a hooker.

 

[RugbyReg]

spik, a little par in the paper suggesting the Reds were well on track to achieve 15,000. They've surpassed what they had this year already.

And it's pretty impossible to estimate next year's crowds. If they maintain form, then I reckon they would be looking at high 20,000s for an average. Possibly 30,000 per match.

Can't see the Broncos having a great year and Inglis is no longer a draw card.

No idea about the Lions.

 

[liquor box]

If they can play like last year and win more games they should get a decent crowd. Is there anything played before each game? If not then they should look at a couple of junior games and have cheap tickets for schoolmates/teachers/parents. I would love to see an average of 25000 but it is difficult when the games are played in half a dozen times slots and over 3 different days. I would love to be a member but cant make it due to work.