RedsHappy
Tony Shaw (54)
He got a better contract offer from the Waratahs and took it. I don't believe there was no contract offer from the Reds.
Good on the Tahs, that is not the point here in any way. My point being: the Reds should have fought very, very hard to keep him. I know for certain that they barely fought at all.
It was obvious that he and Greene had way more upside than Jake McI. It was also almost as obvious . moreover - that (a) QC (Quade Cooper) was unfortunately becoming more injury prone and (b) it was probable that his best years had passed.
There is no more important position in modern pro rugby than 10. No team will ever make the Super finals these days without a good/really good 10.
So, you want to ensure that's the talent you focus laser-like in on, never settle for second best as your main 10, and, as QLD grows good talent, promote and develop your best up and coming 10s hard and, brutally if needed, set aside the mediocre ones.
Having said all that, Mack M is being thrown in at the deep, deep, deep end if he starts v the Cru on Sunday, that is for sure.
I watched this fine young guy grow and develop in the QLD GPS comp and I am thrilled for him. I just hope it's not perhaps just a tad too much too soon this way, but we shall soon see and Mack himself would never want to die wondering.