He's pretty solid all around, not exactly a lineout target, but useful in the scrum and is a powerful ball runner. Not a bad signing and surprised he wasn't wanted by the Highlanders.
Waratahs 2025
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Going to be really interesting how the tahs balance their pack this year. A lot of big damaging ball runners, but Lee-Warner (injured?), Sinclair, Gamble and maybe Grant (he did in MLR a lot, but not sure what that's worth...) look like the only players in the back 5 capable of regularly delivering across 80 minutes. Expect there might be a few games red hot out of the blocks but with a 60 minute fade out early in the piece, will be a big question if they can build up the match fitness they'll need.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Gleesons signed a 1 season deal. If Leota leaves, Gleeson may look to return for a sizeable increase in post WC pay that he isn't able to get now.
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
How they use the bench could swing it. Having someone like Sinclair start and swap with kalapu to maintain that worker forward while rolling the guys like Amatosero once gassed.
Keen to see if Miles can take another step forward. We expected a lot and probably too much last year to start the season but by the end of the year he was playing well and definitely one of those guys who can destroy a maul and dominate the middle with his size.
Fair point though about gassing out. Blokes like Lambert and Heaven may prove to be really valuable.
From where they left last season I think they would take any improvements and happy to tinker tbh.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
As in game to game swap Sinclair and Kalapu? Because if you're changing both locks in game then you're asking all your back rowers to go for 80 (Gleeson wasn't up to that in 24 and Leota rarely has either) or running a 6-2, which seems likely early on but leaves you very exposed in the backs, particularly with concussion protocol.
Not sure where Lambert is going to fit in - with Kailea there he likely drops out of the 23 when everyone is fit, though he's a significantly player better than the tighthead replacements. I expect it'll mostly just mean a bit of rotation during the season, but I do wonder if they'll look at how he might go at tighthead, particularly with Tupou likely to be gone at the end of the year and Barret coming through behind him.
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
Good point. I think there are enough guys to manage to the work load. Sinclair, Kalapu, Grant to be leant on to play as long as possible when starting. Roll the others as required.
I think Lambert will feature as I have zero confidence in TT to play 50% of games and other very likely to miss time at some stage. Everyone fit is wishful thinking going on previous history and Rugby in general. Lambert and Botha to get more time than we think and hopefully take a step in their development.
Few other guys that have been with the squad look like very good players. Can recall his name but the 7 from Easts looked great all year who has been training all off season with the Tahs. Former England 7s player I believe? Brings a good motor if needed and good replacement for Slack-Smith who seems done with footy.
I think Lambert will feature as I have zero confidence in TT to play 50% of games and other very likely to miss time at some stage. Everyone fit is wishful thinking going on previous history and Rugby in general. Lambert and Botha to get more time than we think and hopefully take a step in their development.
Few other guys that have been with the squad look like very good players. Can recall his name but the 7 from Easts looked great all year who has been training all off season with the Tahs. Former England 7s player I believe? Brings a good motor if needed and good replacement for Slack-Smith who seems done with footy.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Real pity about Slack-Smith, he looked like he plenty to offer and it'd really suck to have the game taken away from you like that.
Also a pity the tahs didn't pick up Wilkin, he would add a lot to this pack as a hard working, 80 minute backrower who can play 6/7/8 and jumps well in the lineout.
Also a pity the tahs didn't pick up Wilkin, he would add a lot to this pack as a hard working, 80 minute backrower who can play 6/7/8 and jumps well in the lineout.
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
It is, but good on him for making the call. Too many players suffer from not making the hard call when it relates to the brain.
Think everyone wanted Wilkin. Hopefully Leota fully fit and can push for a Wallaby jersey. More competition the better.
One I would have loved following his form was Kemeny tbh. Big raw bone bloke who offers more than Swinton IMO.
Think everyone wanted Wilkin. Hopefully Leota fully fit and can push for a Wallaby jersey. More competition the better.
One I would have loved following his form was Kemeny tbh. Big raw bone bloke who offers more than Swinton IMO.
Steve_Grey
Watty Friend (18)
"the 7 from Easts looked great all year who has been training all off season with the Tahs. Former England 7s player I believe?"
I would rate him over Gamble (who is a 6.5) as an out and out #7, but probably plays against him being from overseas? Not many non-Australian players (or non OZ eligible) in the Waratahs?
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
Shouldn't if he's best for the spot. Tahs aren't running out multiple ineligible players so who cares. Gamble wasn't eligible when he started.
If the pack can at least hold their own for large parts of games it will make life easier for Gamble to get amongst it. McReight is a different calibre of 7 and one of the worlds best but he no doubt benefited enormously from a Reds pack that was getting on top of oppositions which opens the field up for him.
If the pack can at least hold their own for large parts of games it will make life easier for Gamble to get amongst it. McReight is a different calibre of 7 and one of the worlds best but he no doubt benefited enormously from a Reds pack that was getting on top of oppositions which opens the field up for him.
Dismal Pillock
Michael Lynagh (62)
Is that Derpus already on the blower to TC looking for season tix?
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
He's pre-recording all his complaints
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
tahs have signed Jamie Adamson, an English sevens player who has been with Easts in the Shute Shield
www.rugby.com.au
I'm don't watch much Shute Shield, but he looks to be a ball running backrow, possibly getting ahead of the need to replace Gleeson for next year.
Shute Shield winner, Commonwealth Games star Adamson signs with Waratahs
The NSW Waratahs have added to their Super Rugby Pacific after signing backrower Jamie Adamson.
www.rugby.com.au
I'm don't watch much Shute Shield, but he looks to be a ball running backrow, possibly getting ahead of the need to replace Gleeson for next year.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Absolutely a fit fast backrower, - He'll be the backup 7 this season.tahs have signed Jamie Adamson, an English sevens player who has been with Easts in the Shute Shield
Shute Shield winner, Commonwealth Games star Adamson signs with Waratahs
The NSW Waratahs have added to their Super Rugby Pacific after signing backrower Jamie Adamson.
I'm don't watch much Shute Shield, but he looks to be a ball running backrow, possibly getting ahead of the need to replace Gleeson for next year.
Steve_Grey
Watty Friend (18)
Wouldn't surprise me if he becomes the starting #7; a proper livewire.
Move Gamble to #6 or the bench.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Already got potentially small locks, can't have gamble as a 6 with another guy at 7.
likely 6. leota 8. gleeson 7. Gamble with new guy as the backup