Reds 2021

[Adam84]

My focus on this is 10. Which will be JOC (James O'Connor). In which case I don’t see Paisami at 12 our best solution and suspect that Stewart should be competitive for the slot. At the same time I can see Stewart taking that second ball handler role and expanding to 10 if needs be. Certainly if JOC (James O'Connor) gets injured.

Alternatively perhaps they are working on Paisami’s game play. Stewart also has a decent kick pass, not often included in the Reds game play, but if we were to pick up on Rennie kicking thoughts it could be important. Wonder how Paisami’s boot is.

What is the thinking of Petaia to 15? I can’t recall seeing him there. One thing I like a lot about Jock is his back line management. It isn’t easy to see on the screen but at the game he can be very organisational out there. It isn’t something you’d lose willingly unless the alternate had specific strengths.

I do like the experience that Paisami and Petaia bring together from the Wallabies. Thorn is not mad so will certainly work it into his thinking. All the same I suspect some are writing off the old backline keys too quickly:
10: JOC (James O'Connor)
12: Stewart
13: Petaia
15: Jock

23: Paisami

I think Jocks contribution from the back is understated as well, he has some pretty good vision and a good passing game as well, i think he offers a solid playmaking option from fullback. Just look back through some of the Reds highlights from last year and see how many involved a contribution from Jock.

Although I’m with BH, I can’t see Paisami not starting, his development and growth last year was remarkable and think he will be much better off for the test series.

Having the likes of Stewart and Hegarty coming off the bench is a nice conundrum to have, shows some quality depth in the backline.

 

[Dean Moriarty]

Paisami and Petaia in the centres

Stewart at fullback

Filipo and Vunivalu at wing

Jock as a game breaker from the bench against tired defenders down the stretch

Seems pretty simple

 

[Dean Moriarty]

Although is also alternate Stewart and Petaia in attack and defense and use Petaia as a counter attacking 15 in defense and play Stewart in the defensive front line with Paisami

 

[PhilClinton]

I think the Reds lacked some firepower to finish games last year, especially in attack. I don't really like Stewart and Hegarty coming off the bench to help us win a game, if we are in front it's fine as I think Hegarty's goal kicking and Stewart's defensive capabilities can keep a lead, but they don't exactly spark us in attack if we are chasing points.

I agree it's unlikely Paisami or Petaia will be benched. But I have to admit the idea of one of them coming on fresh with 30mins to go and punching holes in a tiring team has some appeal, similar to a 6th man in basketball, an offensive weapon taking advantage of the other teams non-starters.

 

[dillyboy]

Although is also alternate Stewart and Petaia in attack and defense and use Petaia as a counter attacking 15 in defense and play Stewart in the defensive front line with Paisami

Yeah I like the idea of Petaia as a fullback.

He could be the player Izzy was supposed to be!

 

[rugbyfan90]

Whats everyones thoughts on the inclusion in the squad of Isaac Henry. A top point scorer in QPR in 2019 with Wests, he made the move to Canberra and the brumbies last year where he was again a top point scorer for the Vikings and also won the MacDougall award (equivalent to the Alec Evans medal) for best player in the comp!
The kid is a sharpshooter with the boot which would be a big part of why he's back with the Reds. I'd be confident with him seeing some game time, particularly if injuries play a part.

 

[RugbyReg]

I'm happy he's back in QLD and in the squad. A talented player and an excellent goal kicker. Didn't know that about him winning the MacDougall Award. That's great to hear. I still think he's behind JOC (James O'Connor) and Bryce, so there'd have to be some injury concerns for him to get game time.

 

[Wallaby Way]

Henry had a good season with the Vikings. From the matches I watched, I felt the MacDougall medal was more a reflection of his goal kicking rather than all round game. He probably would have got a brumbies contract if they didn't have Pasitoa and BK to cover 12.

My only concern with Henry moving up to Super level is speed off the mark to threaten the defensive line.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

Whats everyones thoughts on the inclusion in the squad of Isaac Henry. A top point scorer in QPR in 2019 with Wests, he made the move to Canberra and the brumbies last year where he was again a top point scorer for the Vikings and also won the MacDougall award (equivalent to the Alec Evans medal) for best player in the comp!
The kid is a sharpshooter with the boot which would be a big part of why he's back with the Reds. I'd be confident with him seeing some game time, particularly if injuries play a part.

At this stage of his career I'd prefer to see him at 12 rather than 10 (he was listed in "centres" by the Reds). Stewart and Paisami would be ahead with Creighton after.

Just hoping that there is not COVID bubble for these extended players.

 

[Gervais_rugbylives]

Henry had a good season with the Vikings. From the matches I watched, I felt the MacDougall medal was more a reflection of his goal kicking rather than all round game. He probably would have got a brumbies contract if they didn't have Pasitoa and BK to cover 12.

My only concern with Henry moving up to Super level is speed off the mark to threaten the defensive line.

He is ahead of Creighton. Watching training at Ballymore, he looks to be one of the quickest there and he was fastest in the 40 metres sprints about 2 weeks ago. Actually on that point, we have quite a bit of speed around now.

I think COVID bubble stuff would be really crap for some of the young kids they have just signed. A few will likely not play, and QPR is so important for development in my opinion. Game time is crucial for both body and rugby brain.

 

[Zero_Cool]

I think our back-line needs Stewart for defense. He has been the heart and soul of that back-line organizing the defense. I wouldn't mind having an eye to move him back to 10 - if he's playing 10 he's hands down among the best defensive 10's in World Rugby. Plus Stewart has the whole back of tricks - he's a threat to kick/pass/run. His ball running is really surprising for what is a quite under sized center (or a decent sized flyhalf).
I think another-thing that should be kept in mind is how Vunavalu scored his tries in NRL ... bombs to the corner! A center combo of Stewart & Pisami with O'Connor at 10 would be a dream for this. This would leave Jordie in that Super Sub role that actually fits him quite well, allowing him to come in on the wing or for either center with Pisami moving to 12, if Stewart comes off. But also Stewart can give you the ability to cover flyhalf, meaning we don't NEED Hegarty on the bench, allowing us to carry & develop a young kid in that bench spot.
I'd be really keen to give Hamish some time at flyhalf, if that means moving O'Connor to 13 (IMO his best position) and bringing Jordie in at 13. I really think if Stewart can genuinely play flyhalf that would be a massive boon for the Reds as for a flyhalf his ball running would be very good, his kicking is good, obviously his playmaking is where his game is lacking, but I think someone like Pisami outside of him would help take some of that load off.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

If Paisami and Petaia are not in the starting XV, then they should be released.

 

[wamberal]

If Paisami and Petaia are not in the starting XV, then they should be released.

Or the selectors should be released.

 

[Cancelled Account]

I think our back-line needs Stewart for defense. He has been the heart and soul of that back-line organizing the defense. I wouldn't mind having an eye to move him back to 10 - if he's playing 10 he's hands down among the best defensive 10's in World Rugby. Plus Stewart has the whole back of tricks - he's a threat to kick/pass/run. His ball running is really surprising for what is a quite under sized center (or a decent sized flyhalf).
I think another-thing that should be kept in mind is how Vunavalu scored his tries in NRL . bombs to the corner! A center combo of Stewart & Pisami with O'Connor at 10 would be a dream for this. This would leave Jordie in that Super Sub role that actually fits him quite well, allowing him to come in on the wing or for either center with Pisami moving to 12, if Stewart comes off. But also Stewart can give you the ability to cover flyhalf, meaning we don't NEED Hegarty on the bench, allowing us to carry & develop a young kid in that bench spot.
I'd be really keen to give Hamish some time at flyhalf, if that means moving O'Connor to 13 (IMO his best position) and bringing Jordie in at 13. I really think if Stewart can genuinely play flyhalf that would be a massive boon for the Reds as for a flyhalf his ball running would be very good, his kicking is good, obviously his playmaking is where his game is lacking, but I think someone like Pisami outside of him would help take some of that load off.

The squad announcement is the indicator where the coaches see the players will be. JOC (James O'Connor) and Hegarty at flyhalf with Paisami, Petaia and Stewart in the centres. Henry is a part-time contract and probably won’t see any game time in 2021 unless there are injuries.
Lawson Creighton is named in the halves and from what I’m hearing is training bloody well.
With JOC (James O'Connor)’s NZ antics, we’ll soon see where he ends up in 2022. We need another developing flyhalf, and Lawson could be the solution over the next couple of years. We also have Lynagh joining the squad in 2022.

 

[Cancelled Account]

Paisami and Petaia in the centres

Stewart at fullback

Filipo and Vunivalu at wing

Jock as a game breaker from the bench against tired defenders down the stretch

Seems pretty simple

Logical if they are playing Stewart as the second playmaker from fullback. Just needs to get his kicking on point.

 

[PhilClinton]

There are some pretty high expectations this year on the squad, especially when you consider Vunivalu is really the only player of note that has been brought into the team and we’ve lost a few key squad members from 2020, so the guys who performed well last year will really need to step up.

Wilson, McReight, Daugunnu and Paisami really had their breakout seasons. The pressure will be on those guys to perform at that level each week now. I think we can definitely go one better in 2021, and realistically that should be expected.

 

[Forcefield]

I hear what you are saying, Phil, but that extra year of experience across the squad is worth more than one or two big name players. Sure you'd love another solid lock and prop, but you have a bunch of guys who I think will take it to the next level. So many exciting young players.

 

[upthereds#!]

And its not like the Brumbies or Waratahs have improved their prop or lock stocks either.

Its the Force and Rebels that should come up to par with their newfound prop depth. (plus locks big Callas (rebels) and mayybeeee Jake Ball (Force) )

Rebels
1. Orr 2. Uelese 3. Pone
16. Socino 17. Gibbon 18. Sordoni

Force
1. Robertson 2. Kaituu 3. Medrano
16. Ready 17. Heiburg 18. Holmes

 

[emuarse]

Yeah I like the idea of Petaia as a fullback.

He could be the player Izzy was supposed to be!

I think Petaia has to stay at OC.
There are not enough out-centres around. It's a specialised position that reaps good rewards if the player is experienced & has the X factor.
Whereas we have Hegarty, Stewart, and the incumbent Campbell all competent in the 15 jersey.

 

[Ignoto]

I hear what you are saying, Phil, but that extra year of experience across the squad is worth more than one or two big name players. Sure you'd love another solid lock and prop, but you have a bunch of guys who I think will take it to the next level. So many exciting young players.

I guess that was a huge blessing in disguise for us last year with Feao out for the season and Hooper largely injured as well. It forced Zander to be thrust into Super Rugby earlier than expected and allowed Nonggorr to understand what is required for him at Super Rugby.

Losing the last of the Smith twins was the biggest loss as I'd imagine Nonggorr needs to follow Taniela's development route of coming on in the last 10-20 minutes rather than start.