Unsigned Super Level Players

[observer]

It has only been this year with the Wicks that he has put a great deal of effort into trimming down and trying to be more mobile. He still plays as if he was 100kg that's for sure.

The ABC said he is 101kg

 

[Lee Grant]

I had a note from another day when the ABC had him at 98kgs. Maybe he had a couple of Sizzler all-you-can-eat meals during the week.

More importantly: he's big enough to be a Super15 7 because he plays bigger than what the scales say.

 

[Gnostic]

At one point Lam held off Ben Hand with his right hand and offloaded. Not a bad effort given Hand has reach and weight advantage. The fact that those performances are week in week out make me state he deserves the step up. I say the same for the Wicks front rowers because against Manly last week they dominated and this week against three Wallaby front rowers and two more S14 players they held their own and had the confidence to call a 5 metre scrum in the last couple of minutes of the game, that was after the Wicks front row had played the full 80 against three replacements for the Woodies.

Fonokalafi hasn't had a missed throw that I can recall in two weeks and his loose work has also been impressive as has Taukieaho. What more needs to be shown to deserve a run in a S15 train on squad?

 

[Slim 293]

Sipa was great last weekend v Uni - and I think he has been retained by the Brumbies.

Surely by now the Brumbies would've realised that he's not Super rugby potential?

 

[topo]

Anybody know what Pauliasi's doing these days?

Came back from Japan this year to play for Easts and hoped to pick up something in Aus, maybe the Rebels. Played 3 or 4 games for Easts and broke his ankle (again!!). As one who watched him completely dominate GPS Rugby in 04 (the only forward to score a try in every GPS match), it is very sad to see his run with injuries.

 

[spectator]

Right, a Brisbane Comp perspective.

To start with I would say that James Charalambous (hooker) and Matt Brandon (flyhalf) from Easts, are two guys who have the ability to step up to the next level, if given opportunity. I'm sure there are others.

 

[tranquility]

Both of those players are Churchie boys, and both incredibly unlucky to not have contracts. I have moaned about it before, so I will leave it at that. Berrick Barnes getting signed from the Broncs initially cost Brando his spot at the Reds and Chara has had a shocking run with injuries including being the first hooker selected for Aussy schools only to be injured and allowing the fourth hooker, James Hanson to come into the squad. Rub of the green and all that.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

Anybody know what Pauliasi's doing these days?

He broke his ankle playing for Easts against Parra this year. He is almost fit again and I also heard he is interested in going to Japan. I would think that we will see him at Easts again next year.