The Tahs 2009
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formeropenside
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Wow, I thought NSW produced 65% of Australian Rugby players, or Wallabies, or something like that. Why would they ever need to poach players from other teams?
formeropenside said:
formeropenside
I remember listening to link on the subject of getting balance in the squad, in that interview it was explaining why he signed Badger and Carrarro and not just more kids.
I am pretty sure the Tahs didn't expect to be replacing Vickerman and Elsom for 2009, so they have lost two experienced senior players and it come down to how they can replace that experience.
The two locks available in Aus with any S14 experience are Campbell and Humphries - both aren't great. So looking for someone for overseas (and better) makes some sense.
formeropenside said:
Well, we could start with the incompetent performance of those fuckwits who run the New South Wales Rugby Union. If the proper talent identification and development programs were in place the Tahs should never need to top up their playing roster with imports.
BTW, Batger and Carraro both started off in Sydney (Batger went to King's, Carraro to Joeys) so, technically, they were re-poached. Batger wasn't worth the effort and has been dropped by the Tahs. Carraro has earned his place at the Tahs and will always be lurking around a 22 match day squad.
Lindommer said:
They do OK, but with Vickerman, Elsom and Lyons about a lot of the "next" talent went to where they could get a start. Or had a year in the program and then moved to where they could get a start (eg Sam Wykes).
The reality is that forwards need at least a year in a program to be near S14 level.
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
I see that the Tahs have signed up Ben Coridas, Siviteni Mafi and Kane Douglas, but they won't be getting rookie contracts because they will be in the professional Academy.
The article below mentions that they got offers from other S14 teams and good for them for deciding that the Waratahs would be better for them in the long term.
Mafi and Douglas are in the Junior Waratahs this year as amateurs and it is a promotion to move up to the professional group, but Coridas has already been in the Academy for 2 years and is a pro this year already.
I have no doubt that the Reds were after Coridas given that they have no specialist fetcher with Croftie retiring - not that Coridas always plays 7 for Eastwood with Perrett around. My guess is that the new Tahs coach Hickey, his coach at Eastwood at the start of the club season, had something to do with it.
Since Coridas plays all the backrow positions for Eastwood from time to time it would put paid to any hopes that Dave Dennis may have had for a Tahs' contract.
Mafi was in the Oz Schools side last year and I have mentioned him many times. It is no surprise that he is a professional now and given our bare cupboard of second rowers, I'd warrant that he has a rookie chaser for 2010.
The only surprise to me is that the article said that he had put on 7kgs, which is good news, because I doubted if he could put on a lot with his naturally skinny frame. He will have to put on the same amount again in the next couple of years.
Kane Douglas is a bit of an unknown factor, but to quote myself:
Here is the article by John Geddes in today's Daily Telegraph:
***************
They represent the exciting new generation of players who are set to form the foundations of Australian Super 14 and Test sides over the next decade.
Steve Mafi, Kane Douglas and Ben Coridas may not be household names right now, but they are outstanding young forwards who will really start to make their presence felt over the next few years.
And New South Wales have taken a big step towards ensuring their long-term success in Super rugby by retaining all three after they attracted plenty of interest from rivals.
Significantly, while they were tempted with full-time contracts from other Super 14 sides, the talented trio saw a better future for themselves by remaining in the Junior Waratahs program.
Make no mistake, these rookie forwards have already demonstrated they have the raw ability to really kick on.
Mafi and Douglas have already had a taste of what may lie ahead when they enjoyed the amazing opportunity of training with the Wallabies prior to their tour of South Africa.
They filled in when the injured Rocky Elsom and James Horwill were unable to train, and they didn't look out of place.
"It was a pretty good experience - I've learned a lot by training with them," the 18-year-old Mafi said.
Mafi, who plays second row or No.6, was one of the stars of the Australian Schoolboys side that defeated New Zealand last year.
He has added 7kg to his frame this year and is currently in the Parramatta first grade side.
Mafi hopes that with Dan Vickerman, Elsom and David Lyons leaving the Waratahs, he may get a chance in next year's Super 14.
"I had interest from the Force and the Brumbies, but I'm close to the boys here (at NSW)," he said.
Mafi and tearaway Eastwood back-rower Coridas were teammates in the Australian side who competed in this year's IRB under-20 World Cup.
Coridas, 20, made everyone sit up and take notice with his fearless and effective performances in last year's Australian Rugby Championship.
Douglas is a very interesting prospect - a robust 19-year-old (202cm, 112kg) second-rower who isn't taking a backward step playing first grade with Southern Districts.
"There are not a lot of those sort of players around, the genuine tall lock," said Waratahs coach Chris Hickey.
"We see him as a player we can help develop over the next couple of seasons and then be an important asset for the Waratahs."
Holding on to Mafi, Coridas and Douglas is also a slap in the face to critics who argue NSW do not look after their home-grown talent.
And no limits have been placed on how far the three can progress next year.
"While they are in the Junior Waratahs, if the opportunity arose and we thought they were ready for it there is nothing stopping them playing Super 14," Hickey said.
"We have been able to identify a number of players who will move on to play Super 14 for the Waratahs and will be an important part of our succession plan.
"What we're trying to do here is not only about 2009 but about success over the next two or three years."
And Hickey was understandably chuffed that NSW had emerged victorious in the chase to sign the three young stars.
"They obviously weighed up the pathway and felt their opportunities for development and their future were here at the Waratahs," Hickey said.
"It's a vote of confidence in the Waratahs program and what is being done here."
The article below mentions that they got offers from other S14 teams and good for them for deciding that the Waratahs would be better for them in the long term.
Mafi and Douglas are in the Junior Waratahs this year as amateurs and it is a promotion to move up to the professional group, but Coridas has already been in the Academy for 2 years and is a pro this year already.
I have no doubt that the Reds were after Coridas given that they have no specialist fetcher with Croftie retiring - not that Coridas always plays 7 for Eastwood with Perrett around. My guess is that the new Tahs coach Hickey, his coach at Eastwood at the start of the club season, had something to do with it.
Since Coridas plays all the backrow positions for Eastwood from time to time it would put paid to any hopes that Dave Dennis may have had for a Tahs' contract.
Mafi was in the Oz Schools side last year and I have mentioned him many times. It is no surprise that he is a professional now and given our bare cupboard of second rowers, I'd warrant that he has a rookie chaser for 2010.
The only surprise to me is that the article said that he had put on 7kgs, which is good news, because I doubted if he could put on a lot with his naturally skinny frame. He will have to put on the same amount again in the next couple of years.
Kane Douglas is a bit of an unknown factor, but to quote myself:
Lee Grant said:
Here is the article by John Geddes in today's Daily Telegraph:
***************
They represent the exciting new generation of players who are set to form the foundations of Australian Super 14 and Test sides over the next decade.
Steve Mafi, Kane Douglas and Ben Coridas may not be household names right now, but they are outstanding young forwards who will really start to make their presence felt over the next few years.
And New South Wales have taken a big step towards ensuring their long-term success in Super rugby by retaining all three after they attracted plenty of interest from rivals.
Significantly, while they were tempted with full-time contracts from other Super 14 sides, the talented trio saw a better future for themselves by remaining in the Junior Waratahs program.
Make no mistake, these rookie forwards have already demonstrated they have the raw ability to really kick on.
Mafi and Douglas have already had a taste of what may lie ahead when they enjoyed the amazing opportunity of training with the Wallabies prior to their tour of South Africa.
They filled in when the injured Rocky Elsom and James Horwill were unable to train, and they didn't look out of place.
"It was a pretty good experience - I've learned a lot by training with them," the 18-year-old Mafi said.
Mafi, who plays second row or No.6, was one of the stars of the Australian Schoolboys side that defeated New Zealand last year.
He has added 7kg to his frame this year and is currently in the Parramatta first grade side.
Mafi hopes that with Dan Vickerman, Elsom and David Lyons leaving the Waratahs, he may get a chance in next year's Super 14.
"I had interest from the Force and the Brumbies, but I'm close to the boys here (at NSW)," he said.
Mafi and tearaway Eastwood back-rower Coridas were teammates in the Australian side who competed in this year's IRB under-20 World Cup.
Coridas, 20, made everyone sit up and take notice with his fearless and effective performances in last year's Australian Rugby Championship.
Douglas is a very interesting prospect - a robust 19-year-old (202cm, 112kg) second-rower who isn't taking a backward step playing first grade with Southern Districts.
"There are not a lot of those sort of players around, the genuine tall lock," said Waratahs coach Chris Hickey.
"We see him as a player we can help develop over the next couple of seasons and then be an important asset for the Waratahs."
Holding on to Mafi, Coridas and Douglas is also a slap in the face to critics who argue NSW do not look after their home-grown talent.
And no limits have been placed on how far the three can progress next year.
"While they are in the Junior Waratahs, if the opportunity arose and we thought they were ready for it there is nothing stopping them playing Super 14," Hickey said.
"We have been able to identify a number of players who will move on to play Super 14 for the Waratahs and will be an important part of our succession plan.
"What we're trying to do here is not only about 2009 but about success over the next two or three years."
And Hickey was understandably chuffed that NSW had emerged victorious in the chase to sign the three young stars.
"They obviously weighed up the pathway and felt their opportunities for development and their future were here at the Waratahs," Hickey said.
"It's a vote of confidence in the Waratahs program and what is being done here."
Cutter
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Based on looks alone, Kane Douglas could turn into a mean, nasty lock if his progression over the last couple of years continues.
2005 - http://fncrujun.rugbynet.com.au/gallery_pop.asp?id=117424
2007 - http://fncrujun.rugbynet.com.au/gallery_pop.asp?id=96263
2005 - http://fncrujun.rugbynet.com.au/gallery_pop.asp?id=117424
2007 - http://fncrujun.rugbynet.com.au/gallery_pop.asp?id=96263
T
TOCC
Guest
Cutter said:
quite right! because looks are going to scare the other players from tackling him!
Aussie D
Desmond Connor (43)
Watched the club game on ABC today (only 2nd half) and kept an eye on Ratu - not sure how serious his training injury was but Uni seemed to have little trouble closing him down. Not sure that he can make the step up based on my one viewing. Hope for the 'tahs sake I watched him on an off day
naza
Alan Cameron (40)
It was an off day for Ratu. Nothing seemed to click for him. Trust me - he's better than that. You would at least have gotten an understanding of the kind of freak athleticism he has though.
I haven't seen much of Kane Douglas recently but from what I remember he was built like a toothpick. Good to see Southern getting some love though.
I haven't seen much of Kane Douglas recently but from what I remember he was built like a toothpick. Good to see Southern getting some love though.
the gambler
Dave Cowper (27)
So the Tahs are off to Fiji for 10 days...
http://www.waratahs.com.au/MediaExt...t/NSWRugbyannouncesDevelopmentTourofFiji.aspx
Dont think its quite as good for the young guys as what the Force and Reds are getting in Europe, however with more Wallabies than those teams and with new coaching staff I am guessing NSW Rugby didnt think it would be worth the extra cost.
http://www.waratahs.com.au/MediaExt...t/NSWRugbyannouncesDevelopmentTourofFiji.aspx
Dont think its quite as good for the young guys as what the Force and Reds are getting in Europe, however with more Wallabies than those teams and with new coaching staff I am guessing NSW Rugby didnt think it would be worth the extra cost.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
And we look like the good guys for helping out our poor Islander cousins eh what? 
Was scratching myself today and got interrupted by my train on thought on a potential team. I'm thinking it has to feature Ben Mowen on one flank now that Elsom is going, or perhaps Beau Robinson to team up with Waugh if the ELVs get through to 2009. Second Row is now a big issue with Vickerman gone so Mumm and Caldwell better be injury-free or Dave Dennis needs to come on strong...
Was scratching myself today and got interrupted by my train on thought on a potential team. I'm thinking it has to feature Ben Mowen on one flank now that Elsom is going, or perhaps Beau Robinson to team up with Waugh if the ELVs get through to 2009. Second Row is now a big issue with Vickerman gone so Mumm and Caldwell better be injury-free or Dave Dennis needs to come on strong...
F
formeropenside
Guest
Mowen needs to come back to Qld; has his 1-yr contract with the Tahs been renewed?
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
Good question and I've been waiting for an answer to it. As I wrote on page 4 of this thread: Mowen should be renewed by the Waratahs.
Queensland didn't want him for 2008 so the Tahs threw him a lifeline. Originally he was signed for one year only to cover for Lyons who was injured at the RWC but with both Lyons and Elsom going offshore now we need him to start at 6 so that Mumm can play lock with Caldwell and be a back up for Palu.
Talking of Caldwell: I haven't seen anything definite in the paper or on the net that he has re-signed, only vague comments that he has re-signed for 1 year. If anybody has a link to click I'd appreciate it their informing us.
Don't know that Dennis will be given a contract with Coridas still in the professional Academy and probably told that he is the next cab off the rank to be called up if there is an injury during the 2009 S14. Dennis had one of those disposable rookie contracts this year and the Tahs may be shy of giving an unproven player like him a full contract after he got a long term injury.
Queensland didn't want him for 2008 so the Tahs threw him a lifeline. Originally he was signed for one year only to cover for Lyons who was injured at the RWC but with both Lyons and Elsom going offshore now we need him to start at 6 so that Mumm can play lock with Caldwell and be a back up for Palu.
Talking of Caldwell: I haven't seen anything definite in the paper or on the net that he has re-signed, only vague comments that he has re-signed for 1 year. If anybody has a link to click I'd appreciate it their informing us.
Don't know that Dennis will be given a contract with Coridas still in the professional Academy and probably told that he is the next cab off the rank to be called up if there is an injury during the 2009 S14. Dennis had one of those disposable rookie contracts this year and the Tahs may be shy of giving an unproven player like him a full contract after he got a long term injury.
20 Questions with Phil Waugh
I guess with so many of the senior Tahs tied up in the Wallabies and the remainder playing Shute Shield they'd have struggled to get a tour in the August window that the Reds/Force have utilised. 10 days in Fiji in November sounds pretty nice though..
Convenient!
I guess with so many of the senior Tahs tied up in the Wallabies and the remainder playing Shute Shield they'd have struggled to get a tour in the August window that the Reds/Force have utilised. 10 days in Fiji in November sounds pretty nice though..
S
Spook
Guest
The Brumbies will pay you to take Campbell off their hands raying:
raying:
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