Reds 2016

[Brumby Runner]

The true cost to keep Quade is surely a lot more than $150k. I think Quade, at least, would need to factor in the loss of earnings over the two year period, and that could be somewhere in the vicinity of $500k I suppose. Whatever the amount, I think it is unlikely Quade will fork out the tidy little sum to get out of the contract himself when he will also be taking such a large hit to his earnings.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Slipper vs Quade, and who comes alone to watch.

Actions by The Golden Slipper win as many games for the Reds as does Quade, however most of what The Golden Slipper does occurs well before the ball crosses the chalk, and many punters are unable to make the connection between the actions of an individual who creates the conditions for the likes of Quade to weave their magic.

Very few people talk about the awesome counter ruck that created the turnover that allowed the Reds to score 4 phase later, or the lineout lift that allowed the Tall Timber to steal opposition lineout ball. An exception is when it is David Pocock doing the turning over, and even then it's only memorable enough for us to talk about it when he does it all game, in a RWC 1/4 final.

Conversely, it doesn't take much for QC (Quade Cooper) or one of the other princesses to create a highlights reel moment that the punters will talk about for all time. That is just the way it is, and has always been. The real workers seldom get the recognition they deserve, but in the entertainment industry it is the show ponies that open the punters wallets, and gets them rolling in through the turnstiles.

 

[No4918]

Small price to be pay if he really wants to stay.

All the ARU statement says is that it would be unprecedented, not that it won't happen. I don't think they will pay it, probably contribute in some way though.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Slipper vs Quade, and who comes alone to watch.

Actions by The Golden Slipper win as many games for the Reds as does Quade, however most of what The Golden Slipper does occurs well before the ball crosses the chalk, and many punters are unable to make the connection between the actions of an individual who creates the conditions for the likes of Quade to weave their magic.

Very few people talk about the awesome counter ruck that created the turnover that allowed the Reds to score 4 phase later, or the lineout lift that allowed the Tall Timber to steal opposition lineout ball. An exception is when it is David Pocock doing the turning over, and even then it's only memorable enough for us to talk about it when he does it all game, in a RWC 1/4 final.

Conversely, it doesn't take much for QC (Quade Cooper) or one of the other princesses to create a highlights reel moment that the punters will talk about for all time. That is just the way it is, and has always been. The real workers seldom get the recognition they deserve, but in the entertainment industry it is the show ponies that open the punters wallets, and gets them rolling in through the turnstiles.

Not to mention HJ, the number of times turn over ball to the opposition occurs because the pigs were too slow or ineffectual getting to a ruck and a try is scored against your team 4 phases later.

 

[dru]

If Quade has gone, and I really hope not, an international search should include RSA. Boschoff hasn't had much game time this season.

 

[Jets]

Surely they could just get the Reds members to receive some QC (Quade Cooper) gear again like they did a couple of years ago. He'd get a cut of the profit and it'd cover the $150K.

 

[Thinker]

You all seem to forget the brilliance of Cordingley and Graham. They planned for this. We have never needed Quade with the brilliant contingencies in place.

We went out and got our future flyhalf this year. Sure he is not in the two 2 in the U20s, or in the top 7+ for the Reds (assuming Dalgliesh and the + is for the countless premier 10s ahead of him).

In RGs words "I rate him highly".

Sure we ignored the NRC 10s and Harris, Lucas etc to sign him, and the leaguies never give up the good ones (esp the Broncos), but he must come good soon. RG rates him.

 

[Train Without a Station]

They didn't ignore the NRC 10. Jake McIntyre played 4 every NRC game I believe. He played 4 Premier Rugby games this season before getting selected in the Reds.

So they ignored him for 4 games. If you don't consider he was coming back from injury and had not played Super Rugby yet.

 

[hammertimethere]

Surely they could just get the Reds members to receive some QC (Quade Cooper) gear again like they did a couple of years ago. He'd get a cut of the profit and it'd cover the $150K.

This is an interesting train of thought. If the ARU and Cheika are serious about getting creative to start winning the contracting war then let's see them apply some of that creativity to this situation.

There are a few options; merchandising with split profits, commercial endorsement deals for quade (surely somebody would invest in him like head and shoulders, AUS Beef etc. have invested in the HB), the option of a Japanese season for $$, allowing a boxing bout (he pulled some good coin from that didn't he?).

All of the above options should be examined then say to Quade "look, we aren't paying for you to get out of your Toulon deal. If you really are serious about staying you pay it and we'll use a range of options to help you make up the shortfall outside of your ARU/QRU money."

 

[No4918]

What next -
JOCs hair care range brought to you by the ARU?
Pococks special range of zero-carbon t-shirts advocating social concerns?
KBs very own online message app, messages self destruct if you send it to the wrong person and leave no record of the sender on the recipients phone.

 

[qwerty51]

KBs very own online message app, messages self destruct if you send it to the wrong person and leave no record of the sender on the recipients phone.

Already exists, SnapChat or CyberDust.

 

[southsider]

Already exists, SnapChap or CyberDust.

I really hope that isn't a serious comment

 

[hammertimethere]

What next -
JOCs hair care range brought to you by the ARU?
Pococks special range of zero-carbon t-shirts advocating social concerns?
KBs very own online message app, messages self destruct if you send it to the wrong person and leave no record of the sender on the recipients phone.

You mock, but would it be the worst thing in the world. If that's what's required for the ARU to stay competitive and create a "currency" to being a top line Wallaby then why not?

 

[gel]

Don't expect an immediate turn around next year *if* the QRU get rid of Graham.

It will take some serious amount of game time to firstly undo the Graham and Meehan (and Peter Wilkins) damage before the players start to be able to gel and play whatever the new coaching team try to instill. Probably about a year.

The reds missed their shot after the first bye of making the balance of this year about getting the reds out of the Richard Graham epic fail brand of play by not getting rid of him then.

We would be 11 games closer to recovery than where we are now.

 

[No4918]

I liked the look of Tui in his short debut. What are the chances he is up for sticking around?

 

[Wilson]

Probably pretty low, I think he'll go to the Japanese super side, particularly given Leitch is keen to stay at the chiefs.

 

[the sabanator]

It pains me to say it, but the Reds are at least 3 years from being Finals worthy again.

Even if, God willing, RG goes over the offseason, we're still left losing potentially 6 high-profile starters with international experience in key positions (Hanson, Horwill, Thomson*, Gill*, Genia, Cooper*) plus general squad turnover, the Reds will be fielding a really new look team. That leaves Frisby at 9, not a terrible option, essentially a whole new backrow, and a new 9/10 combo.

If we nail down a talent young half combo, they're still going to be a few years experience from being Finals-caliber.

I like the guys we have coming through in the forwards - Lolo, Korczyk and Gunn immediately spring to mind - Kerevi should be a good 12 and I think Hunt is almost there. But it's time for the tough decisions to be made, blow the whole thing up and start again. New coaches, new blood and time. It'll be a slow process but it's one that has to happen starting now.

 

[Sword of Justice]

Guys I like coming through:
Lolo (abrasiveness, not a common trait)
Korczyk
Kerevi
Kuridrani
McIntyre (cool head for a young half)

Guys I'm not sure about:
Frisby (he's had flashes of brilliance, is he good enough to be our starter? wouldn't have a clue on past performances or this year for obvious reasons)
McDuling (injuries, never really showed anything massive for years of investment)
Hunt (he's older than he was when he ruled the NRL [a different sport] + injuries)

 

[USARugger]

Lolo isn't just abrasive, that kid has some serious skills and real "court vision" too.

I know we've been burned on over-hyping youngsters in the past and he's had limited minutes at Super Rugby level - but I've been really impressed with what I saw during those minutes.

 

[TOCC]

Just before we all jump on the Lolo bandwagon, he has also had a lot of matches at other levels where he has been largely absent...

Physically his has a lot of potential, but he needs to build consistency into his game and he needs to learn to perform at a higher level where he isn't the biggest guy on he field.

Lolo will have many poor games ahead of him before he starts to perform consistently well at Super Rugby level. He will do well to have a full season of NRC and a few more Reds bench appearances in 2016, i think 2017 will likely be Lolo's year for getting full games.