Waratahs 2014

[Braveheart81]

A weekend in Penrith doesn't compare to a tour of the home nations, France and Italy or living it up in Rio for a month.

Have you been to Panthers' World of Entertainment? They have aqua golf, a mechanical racetrack and poker machines for as far as the eye can see.

 

[Elfster]

Have you been to Panthers' World of Entertainment? They have aqua golf, a mechanical racetrack and poker machines for as far as the eye can see.

And some truly impressive eating areas. Last time I was there I had a burger that I couldn't finish. It could have been it was the size of a car tyre, the 'fresh' pineapple was at the best 'fresh-ish', the mince patty contained something that resembled ground teeth, or that I was trying to wash it down with XXX Gold. Though the beer battered chips were more than adequate.

If circumstances allowed me I would possibly go back. It wasn't as bad as what I had thought it would be. Though the place is a huge barn that probably does need a bit of money and love thrown at it.

 

[Ash]

Initially the stories were that SBW would definitely be there more than one year, more recent stories (on MMM, for example) that I have heard have been more realistic in that they are completely unsure, and that a return to Union is likely.

I'm not up to date on loig cap rules (actually, I'm not up to date on loig anything), so can rugby offer a competitive deal?

Oh yes.

The League cap is big, comparatively speaking to a current Australian Super XV team. It has been greatly increased from 2012 to 2013 to 2014, from there it will be slower increases (more like CPI).

Cap for top 25 players:
2011 - $4.3 M
2012 - $4.4 M
2013 - $5.85 M
2014 - $6.4 M
2015 - $6.55 M
2016 - $6.8 M
2017 - $7 M

For more, see:
http://www.nrl.com/nrlhq/referencecentre/salarycap/tabid/10434/default.aspx

I am personally worried that Union is going to be able to hang onto some of the talent it has.

 

[Richo]

Thanks, Ash. So to compete for top talent, the ARU will always need to step in.

 

[Ash]

Thanks, Ash. So to compete for top talent, the ARU will always need to step in.

Yes, I think so with the way it is currently set up.

 

[Richo]

Yes, I think so with the way it is currently set up.

That's probably fine in most instances, but they are going to need to get their shit together around the negotiation process and try to make it happen faster. Those strung-out, 6-month ordeals could become costly in terms of player retention.

 

[qwerty51]

There's no way Folau and SBW are both at the Roosters next year, only one will be.

 

[Ash]

You would think so, although the Roosters seem to be a little "loose" with their cap from the outside. Apparently they are only paying SBW $550k, not the $800-900k people think. A player like SBW would be worth $550k to any of the Aus sides, I would have thought. Isn't Folau earning about the same this year?

Would love to know what SBW would be earning if he stayed at the Chiefs.

The issue I have with Folau is letting him play with the Wallabies if this is a one year stint. I don't think that rugby will get their value out of him for just one year. While I think that it's unlikely that Folau would commit to any code prior to the Lions test, I do think that him shopping himself to League clubs while he is in the frame for Lions selection is a bit crap. If Folau is shopping himself to League clubs, that he should not be selected. Which would disappoint me, as I'd like to see Folau stay in rugby.

I reckon once the Tahs learn how to ultilise Folau more, he will be a huge weapon.

 

[qwerty51]

I agree, I really hope Robbie and the ARU find out what Folau is doing next year before (if) he gets selected for the Wallabies.

I reckon once the Tahs learn how to ultilise Folau more, he will be a huge weapon.

I think they're using him as much as possible, he's at the top of runs and run metres in the competition.

 

[Richo]

If I was the ARU and actually serious about selecting him, I'd say "Izzy, we are going to select you for the Lions squad and you have a good chance to play. You will definitely play in TRC and you will go on the EOYT. But we need you to commit now to two more years in rugby." If he says no, that's fine and we can all move on.

Whether he should be in the squad is a different story, just what I'd want to see if he was going to be.

 

[qwerty51]

Well I'd hope Robbie has a private chat to him and Folau tells him straight up what he's doing next year knowing it won't be public.

 

[Ash]

I think they're using him as much as possible, he's at the top of runs and run metres in the competition.

Agree with that part, I meant more his aerial ability.

Some of Folau's work to retrieve the Tahs' kick offs has been fantastic, I would like to see more of it. Or if the Tahs had to kick, then a box kick with Folau as the chaser for example.....I realise that may not fit with the current Tahs gameplan though.

 

[qwerty51]

I'd like to see league style kick tries attempted when in the opposition's 22. He's clearly got amazing aerial ability shown from the kick offs. I know it's a very low percentage play because of our laws but at least try it.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

I'd like to see league style kick tries attempted when in the opposition's 22. He's clearly got amazing aerial ability shown from the kick offs. I know it's a very low percentage play because of our laws but at least try it.

when Tahu was in the side this was used, perhaps to excess. But with Izzy (IMO a greater aerial ball handler) it has not been used once. Perhaps Foley doesn't back himself to kick accurately enough?

 

[JSRF10]

I've mentioned this a few times and I can't get my head around it, if Foley is worried kicking the ball away in the 22 at least try it when we have an advantage. We could potentially have a massive attacking asset and we aren't using it

 

[Rob42]

I think Cheika has been drilling them in the "no-kick" mantra, to break the bad habits of the last few years. I agree the cross kick to Folau would be a great option, but it seems he doesn't want to let that thought enter the heads of his playmakers yet. They have used him under the odd kick-off.

 

[Lindommer]

Boys, all this banter about what's happening now should be over in the Tahs 2013 thread. At this stage the 2014 thread's the place to note changes for next year.

 

[p.Tah]

Seeing Drew on Rugby HQ last night made me think how much we'll miss him next year. He's not only a great player, he is a leader within the team and has a good off field presence. Seeing he is leaving us I'd like to dedicate one of my favourite songs to him by the John Butler Trio. Slightly more refined than the Angels, Am I ever going to you your face again.

You think we love you
You think we need you
Damn no, get out the door
Don't wanna see your face no more

In all seriousness I wish him luck. I hope he has a great 2013 with us.

 

[qwerty51]

I'd like to see league style kick tries attempted when in the opposition's 22. He's clearly got amazing aerial ability shown from the kick offs. I know it's a very low percentage play because of our laws but at least try it.

BANG!

 

[p.Tah]

Liking Crawford so far. Good replacement for Mitchell.