Brumbieman
Dick Tooth (41)
I'll be shocked if any of them make a squad.
It serves a few purposes.
Those players are still finding their feet at Super level, but have clearly got some decent potential. The confidence boost that even thinking you MIGHT have a shot in gold would be huge. A clear sign that they're on the right path, keeps them motivated.
Secondly, anyone in those positions might get a kick up the arse without ever even needing a raised eyebrow from Cheika.
Sends a message that being established doesn't mean anything now. Players IN the squad step it up to protect their place, players OUTSIDE the squad step it up and get a morale boost.
Very clever strategy, i'm really, really liking everythign i've heard about Cheika and what he values + how he gets his players firing.
The team of assistants is awesome as well, literally the only thing that could improve that group is Gandalf getting the forwards/set piece role. Unfortunately, his expertise was lost to both the Brumbies AND the Wallabies by the shortsightedness of the board who appointed co-coaches for the Brumbies.