Jokes aside, teams need depth and experience. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is a test player at both lock & 6 and, even at his young age, is one of the most experienced guys we have. He is also the incumbent. For all the promise these young guys have LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) would start ahead of them in the pecking order and it is up to one of those young guys to take his spot.
He clearly has a bond with Thorn too and is a guy who has previously been impacted by issues peripheral to onfield performance. I’d imagine being in an environment which he knows supports him is very important (not saying the Tahs wouldn’t - just that he would already have support structures in place at the Reds).
I can see the argument for the spread of talent in some circumstances - but I don’t presume it is in either Lukhan or the Reds (and therefore Australian Rugby’s) best interests for him to go.
In any case the Tahs have Simmons, Holloway, Wells, Dempsey, Hanigan, Swinton, Tafa, Harris & Hooper. There is enough talent in that group for a competitive back 5.