Waratahs 2021

[Bobby Sands]

Where is John Connolly?? He looked an absolute gun to me.

 

[Rob42]

Where is John Connolly?? He looked an absolute gun to me.

Still being paid by the QRU?

 

[Wilson]

Still being paid by the QRU?

Think he's talking about the Australian Schools fullback John Connolly, not the former QLD/Wallabies coach

Where is John Connolly?? He looked an absolute gun to me.

My understanding was he signed for the tahs from the end of his schooling onwards. Not sure what year he was set to finish though.

 

[Up the Guts]

Think he's talking about the Australian Schools fullback John Connolly, not the former QLD/Wallabies coach



My understanding was he signed for the tahs from the end of his schooling onwards. Not sure what year he was set to finish though.

Finished last year, unsure where he is this year, perhaps injured.

 

[pnut]

Finished last year, unsure where he is this year, perhaps injured.

Playing colts at Easts

 

[Bobby Sands]

Finished last year, unsure where he is this year, perhaps injured.

He is a good'un.

 

[Up the Guts]

He is a good'un.

He is, I’d be surprised if 7s weren’t interested in him given his pace and ability to change direction at speed.

 

[eastman]

will be interested to know if they are signings or re-signings.
Godwin one we think we know already.

Godwin isn't going to add any more than Moeroa, Hunt or Walton already provide; but it is likely to come at a higher price. With finances tight, the 'tahs are better placed using that money to invest in an actual strike outside back or second- rower, rather than a middling centre.

 

[Froggy]

A pity to lose him, but makes good sense for Robbo. He's had 20 odd tests, but unlikely to get another as our prop stakes are now so much better, and he's pretty small at test level. He's been a great servant for the Tahs, but surely must know he's now only holding down a starting spot until Bell gets a bit stronger, Bell is six years younger, he's already quite a bit bigger and more dynamic around the paddock.

 

[Froggy]

The spot we need to fill is lock. It's already our weakest position, but with Simmons, Hanigan and Tafa all going, we're left with Staniforth, who is bench quality at best, and McCauley, who on the evidence so far is not a Super rugby level player.

 

[Blackadder]

A pity to lose him, but makes good sense for Robbo. He's had 20 odd tests, but unlikely to get another as our prop stakes are now so much better, and he's pretty small at test level. He's been a great servant for the Tahs, but surely must know he's now only holding down a starting spot until Bell gets a bit stronger, Bell is six years younger, he's already quite a bit bigger and more dynamic around the paddock.

I like Robertson but he was a bit too light for an impact across the park. Pretty good at the scrum but not enough grunt or weight to push through. The Tahs will need another loosehead prop in the team along with several other signings.

 

[Blackadder]

The spot we need to fill is lock. It's already our weakest position, but with Simmons, Hanigan and Tafa all going, we're left with Staniforth, who is bench quality at best, and McCauley, who on the evidence so far is not a Super rugby level player.

Beanpole seems to have fallen even further down the pecking order. He just has zero impact.

In saying that I have a feeling that he might be kept as the Tahs are very short on locks

 

[Derpus]

I must have missed it, but Hanigan is leaving? Losing Hanigan and Robertson is a blow.

 

[Blackadder]

I must have missed it, but Hanigan is leaving? Losing Hanigan and Robertson is a blow.

Apparently Hanigan is going to Japan

 

[RugbyReg]

Obviously getting one of the OS locks back would be good but with the Brumbies having Swain, Neville, Douglas and Hyne it would make sense for Frost to come back to NSW.

For NSW at least.

 

[Pass it to Dunning!]

Robertson is a very reliable midfield defender. That's where we'll miss him most.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Obviously getting one of the OS locks back would be good but with the Brumbies having Swain, Neville, Douglas and Hyne it would make sense for Frost to come back to NSW.

For NSW at least.

Ben Hyne can obviously fill in at lock, but I reckon he really is a backrower. Frost gives us four Locks, which I feel is necessary.

 

[Braveheart81]

Frost gives us four Locks, which I feel is necessary.

Sure, but it could likely come down to what each team can offer. The Waratahs would be in the position to offer Frost both a starting spot and the dollars to match it and the Brumbies probably a bench spot.

Frost is contracted for 2021 though so any movement for next year would involve him trying to get out of that contract (which may be possible due to everything that has happened with COVID).

 

[RugbyReg]

I also suspect all teams will need to cut squad sizes next year. They'll have to make cuts. Four locks could be considered a unaffordable luxury.

 

[Blackadder]

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...n-new-deal-with-waratahs-20200910-p55uhv.html

Looks like Maddocks is staying for another year