Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
This is the problem. Development pathways = fucked.
Soon the only rugby players this country will be developing will come out of Queensland.
Waratahs 2022
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Soon the only rugby players this country will be developing will come out of Queensland.
7137
Alex Ross (28)
They have a squad full of kids with promising talent. They don’t need more. And it’s not like they can afford a star in their prime.
I think an older guy who brings acres of experience, who’s likely just enjoying a sea change or perhaps keeping his missus happy so they can spend some time with the in-laws and the new baby (read, cheap), and who is not going to be around long taking up space in front of the young guys you are developing is the perfect injury cover.
He has to still have to earn his spot on current form, and he hasn't looked like a Lions centre for a long, long time
So what are you buying?
I just don't see the value in a team elderly mentor
7137
Alex Ross (28)
Why are you questioning the value based on him not being in the best form of his career? Are you assuming the Tahs are paying him like he is?
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
Have you watched him play lately?
And if your metric for offering a contract was demonstrating the form to deserve a starting spot, how many players in the team have demonstrated that’s?
7137
Alex Ross (28)
Still not following where you are with this. He’s not good enough to demonstrate form???
Jimmyjam
Watty Friend (18)
I think these days 35yo isn't the end for many professionals. We can look at the Force who got great value with Kahui, 37yo this year; Thrushyo 37 this year, Sitaleki Timani 36yo this year and Rob Kearney who was 35 last year. In the case of Jamie Roberts, if fit he could be a really useful addition to a very young (and lightweight) backline. A very large frame... (110kg, 193cm) with nearly 100 test caps, IMO exactly what is needed. Look at the improvement with the Wallabies when they put the big body of Kerevi back into the midfield. Defences are stretched, advantage line success improves, games get won...
Unfit/injured he could of course be a dud, but fit and used wisely, could be a masterstroke.
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Or something in between?
Pass it to Dunning!
Bob Loudon (25)
Roberts seems like a great signing for the Tahs. Right now the squad is full of high school superstars who aren't used to playing against players as big and as fast as them. Roberts will mark his opposite number, not get bamboozled by a sidestep and take the ball to ground if an offload isn't guaranteed. If would be better if he were five or ten years younger, but the Tahs need some level-headedness, particularly in the backs.
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
Jamie Robert’s looks almost locked in. Article back up with Coleman’s comments:
“Losing two of our centres in Joey Walton and Mosese Tuipulotu was a big blow as we view them as the future of the side. So, to be able to bring in a player with the experience and talent that Jamie has on an injury coverage contract would be huge for us,” Coleman said.
“Jamie has been playing at a consistently high level with Dragons in Wales this season and would add a really big body for go-forward, and is very sound defensively. He would add vital depth in our midfield and complement the mix of players we currently have.
“Off the field he could also add a lot to the group and our team culture with his professionalism and experience.”
www.smh.com.au
“Losing two of our centres in Joey Walton and Mosese Tuipulotu was a big blow as we view them as the future of the side. So, to be able to bring in a player with the experience and talent that Jamie has on an injury coverage contract would be huge for us,” Coleman said.
“Jamie has been playing at a consistently high level with Dragons in Wales this season and would add a really big body for go-forward, and is very sound defensively. He would add vital depth in our midfield and complement the mix of players we currently have.
“Off the field he could also add a lot to the group and our team culture with his professionalism and experience.”
Veteran Wales, Lions centre set to join Waratahs
A barnstorming ball carrier at the height of his career, British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts is on the verge of being recruited by the Waratahs.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
People seem to think there is an abundance of experienced proven talent ready to sign for the tahs. There isn’t and hence signing Roberts is good short term option to bring some much needed experience. He might not be a super star but also doubtful he would be a flop and/ or not bring valued experience. Surely the force with some of the key aged warriors at prop, second row, centre and full back proven that.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Fact is tahs only getting him because not 5 to 10 years younger. Agree good and sensible recruiting strategy to bring him into tahs fold.
Lightblue
Arch Winning (36)
I think the majority think it is a good option to sign Roberts..... we’ll just have to wait and see... I think the Waratahs will go better than most people reckon... Coleman will need at least 2 years but he will definitely be better than Gibson and Penny .... they were pretty ordinary.....
dru
David Wilson (68)
Roberts who?
formerflanker
Ken Catchpole (46)
Depth and experience in the backs. We need a strong squad not just a great starting lineup.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
For this season?