Reds 2022

[Number 7]

I heard and read, that although its the fighting fund, its also rich people paying for a player, who they want to stay in rugby, and at the time play for the Brumbies.

I thought it was strange, but people with alot of money might do something like that... I could also be completely wrong

No you're not wrong about wealthy peole backing rugby players although the Rugby Fighting Fund is tax deductible so would have broader appeal. Here's a report on some of the prior donor's: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...up-david-pocock-s-salary-20190208-p50wko.html

 

[hifflepiff]

I heard and read, that although its the fighting fund, its also rich people paying for a player, who they want to stay in rugby, and at the time play for the Brumbies.

I thought it was strange, but people with alot of money might do something like that... I could also be completely wrong

I suppose being the game of private school elites has some benefits, so you might as well use them.

 

[Adam84]

I heard and read, that although its the fighting fund, its also rich people paying for a player, who they want to stay in rugby, and at the time play for the Brumbies.

I thought it was strange, but people with alot of money might do something like that... I could also be completely wrong

I think I remember something about that, there’s some avenue where people/companies can directly sponsor players and contribute to their salary. I think Pocock had something similar.

 

[Cancelled Account]

500k for a player who was not even in match day 23 - I find that hard to believe

Maybe the fighting fund was $500K. Reesjan didn’t get that kind of dollars. Why leave ACT to go elsewhere. Unless Tiggy has huge confidence in him to match previous deal? Who really knows?

 

[Adam84]

He is from WA originally, so starting opportunity and the chance to get home would be massive factors.

 

[Rugby King]

I have been thinking about this and believe Paisami and Stewart both have the defensive and kicking games to play at 10 if required.

Henry was a 10 all through club and School.

he has also played fullback.

 

[RugbyReg]

Reds to Regions on again.

The St.George Queensland Reds will hit the road next month for the third iteration of the hugely successful Reds to Regions tour.

The pre-season squad will split into 14 separate groups to visit 33 regional centres around the state from Wednesday 24 November to Friday 26 November, continuing to connect with the state after the popular tours of previous years.

For the first time, a number of Vintage Reds will accompany the current squad on the tour, with Queensland and Wallaby legends including James Horwill, Peter Slattery, Elton Flatley and Garrick Morgan joining the three-day expedition.

Airlie Beach, Biloela, Inglewood, Dirranbandi, Kingaroy and Nanango will be visited for the first time, with Reds partners Santos, St.George, Alliance Airlines and Belbaker Bus Charter proudly supporting the initiative.

 

[TSR]

So - what are we expecting from the squad next year in terms of player growth/performance. Who do we think will really kick on and who, if any, are under pressure. Here is a bit of any overview from my perspective -

- players to smash it - Wilson, McReight, Salakai-Loto, Vunivalu, Paisami
- I think for the first 3 being left behind from the OS is a good thing mainly because I expect they are all filthy and I reckon Thorn will be straight in their respective ears. You’d certainly hope that is their reaction. Vunivalu is class and just needs a bit more time in the saddle and Paisami, although he is a Wallaby tourist, I reckon has gone from seen as something of a sure pick to being down the pecking order. I reckon he’ll respond with a big improvement

- guys under pressure - Stewart, Campbell, Flook, Wright, ASY (Angus Scott-Young), Uru, Blyth, Nasser, Mafi
- I really rate the first 6 guys on this list highly. For me, the pressure is that not all of them can be squeezed into the starting line-up. Which means, come contract time, if you’re not a starter then it is hard to get the contract figure you want. To some extent, the first 6 guys may be better read as ‘the Reds will struggle to keep all this guys because some will have a much higher value elsewhere. Henry is in a similiar boat
- Mafi I really rate too. I think he is excellent around the field. But he had to nail his throws. If he does then I think he is clearly our number 1 and can challenge again for the Wallabies squad. If he can’t then I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thorn look elsewhere.
- If memory serves me right Nasser extended for a couple of years. I feel like he needs to kick on to justify this. Personally I’m not really sure why they’d persist but hopefully I’ll be wrong
- Blyth is a really interesting one for me. I thought he was tracking pretty well. I thought he might have been close to a Wallaby squad member in 2020. Then he seemed to fall out of favour and now seems to be down the list. If he can’t get back being selected regularly this year he could well seek greener pastures next year

Looking for incremental improvement - Nasser, Fotuaika, Thomas, Grealy - don’t need them to shoot the lights out. All doing some good things. If they can all push in a bit then they’ll make a big difference to the overall result.

Please God, just let them stay healthy - Tupou, O’Connor, McDermott, Petaia. From a performance point of view - especially Tupou & McDermott. From a ‘deserves better luck’ definitely Petaia.

 

[Adam84]

I think there was a couple of 50/50 selection calls that would have gone the other way for the wallabies extended squad had a Super Rugby club coach not also been the Wallabies forwards coach. Lonergan/Mafi & Blyth/Frost come to mind…

 

[TSR]

I think they’re both capable - but I don’t think I’ve seen much to suggest Mafi or Blyth were close to selection.

I know Mafi was in the included in a preliminary squad earlier in the year, but as soon as BPA came back he was second in line (although I guess the inclusion of all of Lonergan, Fainga'a and McInerney in the squad does support your arguement). Blyth was barely sited in Super Rugby from about half way through super AU if I recall correctly. It’s hard to argue they would’ve given him much consideration IMO. I did think he might have been close in 2020 but I think lock is the position where it is probably hardest for the fan to see what the coaches see and are looking for.

 

[TSR]

For the record though I do think Mafi is outstanding around the field. Better then Fainga'a or McInerney and appears a better scrummager than Lonergan. But probably a clear 4th as a consistent lineout thrower.

 

[The Nomad]

The change in the lock pecking order this year was quite sudden , couldn’t really see the reason other than Blyth seems to be a penalty magnet.

However, once Blyth and Smith were back in QPR you could clearly see the improvement in Smiths’ game. Around the park you would take Smith everyday of the week , set piece they are about even. Watching QPR over the last few weeks of the season, Smith looked like a Reds player in all areas, Blyth not so much.

Would imagine Blyth will have some work ons for next year. If he can address those he could be in the reckoning for higher honours. You can’t coach height !

 

[TSR]

I like his aggression too.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

So - what are we expecting from the squad next year in terms of player growth/performance. Who do we think will really kick on and who, if any, are under pressure. Here is a bit of any overview from my perspective -

- players to smash it - Wilson, McReight, Salakai-Loto, Vunivalu, Paisami
- I think for the first 3 being left behind from the OS is a good thing mainly because I expect they are all filthy and I reckon Thorn will be straight in their respective ears. You’d certainly hope that is their reaction. Vunivalu is class and just needs a bit more time in the saddle and Paisami, although he is a Wallaby tourist, I reckon has gone from seen as something of a sure pick to being down the pecking order. I reckon he’ll respond with a big improvement

- guys under pressure - Stewart, Campbell, Flook, Wright, ASY (Angus Scott-Young), Uru, Blyth, Nasser, Mafi
- I really rate the first 6 guys on this list highly. For me, the pressure is that not all of them can be squeezed into the starting line-up. Which means, come contract time, if you’re not a starter then it is hard to get the contract figure you want. To some extent, the first 6 guys may be better read as ‘the Reds will struggle to keep all this guys because some will have a much higher value elsewhere. Henry is in a similiar boat
- Mafi I really rate too. I think he is excellent around the field. But he had to nail his throws. If he does then I think he is clearly our number 1 and can challenge again for the Wallabies squad. If he can’t then I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thorn look elsewhere.
- If memory serves me right Nasser extended for a couple of years. I feel like he needs to kick on to justify this. Personally I’m not really sure why they’d persist but hopefully I’ll be wrong
- Blyth is a really interesting one for me. I thought he was tracking pretty well. I thought he might have been close to a Wallaby squad member in 2020. Then he seemed to fall out of favour and now seems to be down the list. If he can’t get back being selected regularly this year he could well seek greener pastures next year

Looking for incremental improvement - Nasser, Fotuaika, Thomas, Grealy - don’t need them to shoot the lights out. All doing some good things. If they can all push in a bit then they’ll make a big difference to the overall result.

Please God, just let them stay healthy - Tupou, O’Connor, McDermott, Petaia. From a performance point of view - especially Tupou & McDermott. From a ‘deserves better luck’ definitely Petaia.

I was reflecting on squad wise what prospects for oz super rugby sides look like and to me had brumbies ahead as retained proven performers with added depth quality with cfs and Jesse mogg. Reds to me have areas that still maybe need more step up to threaten at top end of the table of super rugby competition. Second row still lacking some world class quality…LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) good but Blyth and Ryan at best honest toilers although I liked Ryan in what he offered last year. Liked Uru but still early days…equally Wright maybe fallen down the pecking order of oz backrowers.

Paisami good in centres but need someone else to step up out of Stewart, flook etc to match kiwis. Got some good wingers but injuries and seeing consistent high quality performances key here. Campbell will be under pressure given push for petaia to play 15. I think a few reds players dropping off in wallabies pecking order is telling.

 

[The Nomad]

I’m hopeful that the Reds’ players who have dropped down the pecking order with the Wallabies use that as motivation to show what they are capable of.
Rennie has at least given them work ons , next season is an opportunity to prove they have met them.
Put ASY (Angus Scott-Young) back in the mix after a season in NZ and the forward pack will be in good shape.

 

[D'Lite Full]

Rennie is definitely building depth and competition for positions with the 2 year RWC23 roadmap. I like it. If it makes guys like McReight, Wilson and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) grind harder then that is a very good thing. They are all still young and developing and I am sure have been given a detailed assessment of their areas for development.

Who else might come through? I expect a few more bolters from this year's and next year's under 20 group. They are certainly getting interest from the other states and codes.

 

[RugbyReg]

I do think most props in Dane Zander and Feao Fotuaika are good shots of coming through. I know the Wallaby selectors had their eye on FF (Folau Fainga'a) last year. There must be some concerns with our prop depth given the age of Slipper (he just look old) plus Sio.

Saw some photos of Josh Flook over the weekend and he looks large. So will be interesting to see him progress.

I do hope Seru Uru continues to develop as last year. He's a game breaker.

 

[Wilson]

I do think most props in Dane Zander and Feao Fotuaika are good shots of coming through. I know the Wallaby selectors had their eye on FF (Folau Fainga'a) last year. There must be some concerns with our prop depth given the age of Slipper (he just look old) plus Sio.

Saw some photos of Josh Flook over the weekend and he looks large. So will be interesting to see him progress.

I do hope Seru Uru continues to develop as last year. He's a game breaker.

I have heaps of wraps on Feao Fotuaika. That said he doesn't have the fitness for test match rugby, but given the way that has improved over the last couple of years I wouldn't be amazed if he worked himself into the conversation over the next couple, particularly given he can play both sides well already. Our biggest issue for props is probably bringing Nonggorr on to the point where we can manage Tupou's time a bit better and have some cover if he is ever injured or suspended.

I'm hoping Uru is another who'll benefit from the full off and pre-season. A bit more bulk on his frame and he'll be an absolute weapon. Given the way Thorn was talking about the need for a bit more physicality from him this year I'm sure that's what they'll be targeting for him.

 

[PhilClinton]

I wonder how high Vunivalu is on the list for the new official Redcliffe NRL side. So many murmurs that he wants to go back to the NRL and now he wouldn't even have to move. I imagine Floyd Aubrey will also be a target if he comes along well next year, having already turned down an NRL raid to stay with the Reds.

Regardless, I think you'll see a bit of movement over the next 12 months especially with the development players.

 

[Derpus]

I wonder how high Vunivalu is on the list for the new official Redcliffe NRL side. So many murmurs that he wants to go back to the NRL and now he wouldn't even have to move. I imagine Floyd Aubrey will also be a target if he comes along well next year, having already turned down an NRL raid to stay with the Reds.

Regardless, I think you'll see a bit of movement over the next 12 months especially with the development players.

Have their been suggestions he wants to leave?

There are a whole bunch of players I'd rather the Reds and RA were throwing a million a year at, Kerevi being one.