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.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.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 ?
there you go the hand grenade as I leave the reds forum…
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.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.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?
Cant see Lynagh being ready next year. Needs a lot more game time under his belt.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.
I think Louis L has shown his colours now that Uncle Eddie has found a spot for him.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?
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.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??)
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?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’m not sure he would come back to QLD for a bench spot, even short term, and then move aside for the heir apparent.Get Sam Greene you gronks - but he's probably priced himself out of the Reds squad.
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.what about these lads? Both been in Reds program both had success in England and by all accounts have matured well.
View attachment 13749 View attachment 13750
Like Liam Wright?Left field option - what about trying to find a secondary on ball flanker to compliment McReight?
Has he? He missed the touring squad:
England Summer Tour Squad 2022 – Australia 17-21 England
England Summer Tour Squad: Eddie Jones's side have now won two Test series Down Under in six years after 21-17 victory in Sydneywww.rugbyworld.com
play-off teams excluded
blew up a knee this year and had a surgeryWouldn'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.