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Reds 2023

Marce

John Hipwell (52)
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Rugbynutter39

Michael Lynagh (62)
You most likely have an answer to that question and there would be very few who would be happy with the back half of the season for the Reds…….. but they did go into the back half of the season only having lost one game, and playing pretty ordinary footy in doing so ……… if you think the Reds are pretenders, not sure where that leaves the other Aussie franchises they managed to beat with far from complete performances? Maybe you decide ?
My point is they set the pretext as best oz side then fell apart against kiwi sides. That is what I am calling them out as the pretenders. But you sum up well. Yes your point about glass houses noted.
 

liquor box

Peter Sullivan (51)
You most likely have an answer to that question and there would be very few who would be happy with the back half of the season for the Reds…….. but they did go into the back half of the season only having lost one game, and playing pretty ordinary footy in doing so ……… if you think the Reds are pretenders, not sure where that leaves the other Aussie franchises they managed to beat with far from complete performances? Maybe you decide ?
The way the season runs also highlights the poor performances against the NZ teams, multiple losses in a row stands out where as losing every couple of weeks does not feel so bad.
 
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Right now that 2022 is packaged and locked away are there any suggestions on players that Cordingley and Co should target for future contracts (2023).
And I don't mean schoolboys who wont be ready for 4 years.
As a suggestion, should we try for Mack Mason to fill the gap between JOC (James O'Connor) and Lynagh?
 

LeCheese

Greg Davis (50)
As a suggestion, should we try for Mack Mason to fill the gap between JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) and Lynagh?
I think Creighton, particularly in the QF against the Saders, showed that he has the potential to fill that gap with the right structures around him and a bit more development. His ability to be used as a utility also brings more to the squad than an out-and-out 10 like Mason imo.

Even if someone like Mason was brought in, there's nothing to say it would be an upgrade on Creighton - second-string 10 is a tough gig, as you have limited training and game time to build understanding and familiarity with those running off you.
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
Right now that 2022 is packaged and locked away are there any suggestions on players that Cordingley and Co should target for future contracts (2023).
And I don't mean schoolboys who wont be ready for 4 years.
As a suggestion, should we try for Mack Mason to fill the gap between JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) and Lynagh?
Mason could definitely be an option with everything going on in the US right now, also potentially Sam Greene, assuming he's not trying to get capped by Japan. I do think Creighton came on well towards the end of the season though, so if they can get enough game time into him above club level in the off season it might not matter too much, particularly if Lynagh is ready for bench cameos next year.

In the forwards I'd love to see Sio picked up to take some of the pressure off Tupou, but I think we really need an experienced lock or lock/6 to fill the void left by Salakia-Loto and Scott-Young. Ideally someone particularly good in the lineout, but I'm not sure who's available on that side of things though. Similar to Mason, guys like Nathan Den Hoedt and Luke Beauchamp might be available, but I haven't really seen much of MLR this year so I'm not sure what level they're playing at.
 
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Mason could definitely be an option with everything going on in the US right now, also potentially Sam Greene, assuming he's not trying to get capped by Japan. I do think Creighton came on well towards the end of the season though, so if they can get enough game time into him above club level in the off season it might not matter too much, particularly if Lynagh is ready for bench cameos next year.

In the forwards I'd love to see Sio picked up to take some of the pressure off Tupou, but I think we really need an experienced lock or lock/6 to fill the void left by Salakia-Loto and Scott-Young. Ideally someone particularly good in the lineout, but I'm not sure who's available on that side of things though. Similar to Mason, guys like Nathan Den Hoedt and Luke Beauchamp might be available, but I haven't really seen much of MLR this year so I'm not sure what level they're playing at.
Cant see Lynagh being ready next year. Needs a lot more game time under his belt.

There has to be some front row stocks with connection to Qld surely or the ones we have got need to step up a level in their development.

Coaches?????? support staff?????

Looking for the next 1% because in all honesty the squad is capable but something hasn't worked and it appears to have plateaued
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
I am happy with Thorn as HC but think we need to consider the support coaches. Michael Todd was brought in as a defense coach on a budget during COVID from his analyst potential. Should we be looking at better there? Our attack hasn't been crash hot either. We needed to see more of the plays that lead to two tries in the GF (and that great PEtaia try from fullback v Drua??)

But to the players.

Kerevi obviously.

I agree Sio would be a great get. Rhys Van Nek, Matt Gibbon or Cam Orr from the Rebels worthy options too.
Maybe Max Douglas as a lock option? Not a lot of Super Rugby caps, but he has height and not much game time in Sydney. I'd take Hockings back now for sure. Anyone know how Pat Tafa is going? He'd be an option as a LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) replacement but, again, not many caps. At least there are QLD links. Fred Fewtrell is back in Oz ad playing in Sydney I think.

Is Reece Hewatt playing anywhere and playing anywhere near his schoolboy hype? Maybe Angus Cottrell wants a couple of years at home as an experienced bench option?

I think it's really forward options we need don't we? Sam Greene does make an interesting prospect as an experienced 10 who jump in assuredly WHEN O'Connor is injured. Does Louis Lynagh want to spend time with his brother?
 
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I am happy with Thorn as HC but think we need to consider the support coaches. Michael Todd was brought in as a defense coach on a budget during COVID from his analyst potential. Should we be looking at better there? Our attack hasn't been crash hot either. We needed to see more of the plays that lead to two tries in the GF (and that great PEtaia try from fullback v Drua??)

But to the players.

Kerevi obviously.

I agree Sio would be a great get. Rhys Van Nek, Matt Gibbon or Cam Orr from the Rebels worthy options too.
Maybe Max Douglas as a lock option? Not a lot of Super Rugby caps, but he has height and not much game time in Sydney. I'd take Hockings back now for sure. Anyone know how Pat Tafa is going? He'd be an option as a LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) replacement but, again, not many caps. At least there are QLD links. Fred Fewtrell is back in Oz ad playing in Sydney I think.

Is Reece Hewatt playing anywhere and playing anywhere near his schoolboy hype? Maybe Angus Cottrell wants a couple of years at home as an experienced bench option?

I think it's really forward options we need don't we? Sam Greene does make an interesting prospect as an experienced 10 who jump in assuredly WHEN O'Connor is injured. Does Louis Lynagh want to spend time with his brother?
I think Louis L has shown his colours now that Uncle Eddie has found a spot for him.

On the coaching front I think Brad needs someone who can work in the strategy / game plan space. BT appears to have a technical skill / motivator strength but from what I have seen we haven't developed a consistent reliable pattern of attack play. ( read here- hail mary kicks downfield and hoping the receiver fluffs it is NOT a bankable plan)
 

PhilClinton

Mark Loane (55)
Left field option - what about trying to find a secondary on ball flanker to compliment McReight?

The Reds have so many weapons out wide who are great in counter attack - Petaia, Flook, Daugunu, Campbell and possibly (though I think unlikely) Vunivalu to name a few. Guys like Aubrey coming through also fit the bill.

We aren’t going to see a huge roster overhaul in one year, but with some bigger bodies in LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and ASY (Angus Scott-Young) gone maybe we need to look at players who are better at forcing turn overs and getting our backs some prime counter attack ball. Also means we need to rely less on structural attacking phases.

I know before he went overseas, Luke Beauchamp was a decent sized body who could also sniff out a good pilfer. With the MLR seemingly starting to fall apart, could he be worth a shout?
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
I am happy with Thorn as HC but think we need to consider the support coaches. Michael Todd was brought in as a defense coach on a budget during COVID from his analyst potential. Should we be looking at better there? Our attack hasn't been crash hot either. We needed to see more of the plays that lead to two tries in the GF (and that great PEtaia try from fullback v Drua??)
Interestingly Todd has been named as defence coach for Australia A, so there's clearly some wraps on him outside of QLD. I wouldn't mind seeing someone like Peter Ryan bought back in to support him in that role given his inexperience though.

Likewise the lineout desperately needs to improve. Neither Thorn or Lillicrap really strike me as lineout guys and I think it could really benefit from having a specialist coach come in to give it a bit more focus - just look at what Parling has done for the Rebels. I've mentioned it before but Ben Mowen could be a good local option here. I've got nothing against them casting the net wider though.
 

liquor box

Peter Sullivan (51)
I am happy with Thorn as HC but think we need to consider the support coaches. Michael Todd was brought in as a defense coach on a budget during COVID from his analyst potential. Should we be looking at better there? Our attack hasn't been crash hot either. We needed to see more of the plays that lead to two tries in the GF (and that great PEtaia try from fullback v Drua??)

But to the players.

Kerevi obviously.

I agree Sio would be a great get. Rhys Van Nek, Matt Gibbon or Cam Orr from the Rebels worthy options too.
Maybe Max Douglas as a lock option? Not a lot of Super Rugby caps, but he has height and not much game time in Sydney. I'd take Hockings back now for sure. Anyone know how Pat Tafa is going? He'd be an option as a LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) replacement but, again, not many caps. At least there are QLD links. Fred Fewtrell is back in Oz ad playing in Sydney I think.

Is Reece Hewatt playing anywhere and playing anywhere near his schoolboy hype? Maybe Angus Cottrell wants a couple of years at home as an experienced bench option?

I think it's really forward options we need don't we? Sam Greene does make an interesting prospect as an experienced 10 who jump in assuredly WHEN O'Connor is injured. Does Louis Lynagh want to spend time with his brother?
Kerevi would be a massive gain, and when he plays he would certainly improve our chances but would the temptation be to play "Kerevi Ball" and just have him bash the ball up every possession we have?

It is certainly an effective strategy but how long can it last before injuries or wear and tear slow down or stop this option?

I would be concerned that if he leaves then the rest of the team will be under developed as they just feed the star player rather than learning to sustain pressure through sustained possession and utilising many options.

If we got Kerevi for 2 years, where would Creighton's game be at the end of his contract, he would have learnt to pass to the man outside him and little else.

Don't get me wrong, I would take Kerevi any day of the week, but I think he gives a short term gain to the team.

We need props and a Hooker before anything else and need to pay for them. Can trades occur between teams to help with cash flow? eg, if we have an excess of outside backs, can we use this player towards buying out a contract? I would gladly trade Vunivalu to the Rebels to get Eloff
 
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what about these lads? Both been in Reds program both had success in England and by all accounts have matured well.
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PhilClinton

Mark Loane (55)
Get Sam Greene you gronks - but he's probably priced himself out of the Reds squad.
I’m not sure he would come back to QLD for a bench spot, even short term, and then move aside for the heir apparent.

I don’t think his exit from QRU was very well managed.
 
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Wouldn't mind seeing Korczyk back as an Angus Scott-Young replacement, though it doesn't look like he's had a hell of a lot of game time with Ealing the last couple of years.
blew up a knee this year and had a surgery
 
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