Waratahs 2025

[Wilson]

It highlights one thing, our reserve forwards will be a tad light on experience, but our backs are going to have some threat from the bench



That is a pretty good backline

A lot is going to come down to that centre balance and where Sua'ali'i plays. There's been talk he's been training on the wing and I think that makes most sense as a jumping off point, particularly because this backline is going to be crying out for a glue player in the centres like Walton, rather than having Sua'ali'i there and getting another strike weapon on the wing in Lancaster.

 

[fatprop]

A lot is going to come down to that centre balance and where Sua'ali'i plays. There's been talk he's been training on the wing and I think that makes most sense as a jumping off point, particularly because this backline is going to be crying out for a glue player in the centres like Walton, rather than having Sua'ali'i there and getting another strike weapon on the wing in Lancaster.

Foteki is still about as well, we have two OK 12s, but 13? we are light - Sua'ali'i could get an extended run there if O'Donnell doesn't show some magic immediately

 

[Wilson]

Foteki is still about as well, we have two OK 12s, but 13? we are light - Sua'ali'i could get an extended run there if O'Donnell doesn't show some magic immediately

Foketi is not really the sort of centre I'm talking about in Walton at 13. That's no knock on him, but Walton is your more reliable, defensive player that helps connect the backline, something similar to what Stewart has offered at both the Reds and Force. I think that Foketi-Walton pairing is the way to go, particularly early on while Sua'ali'i is still finding his feet defensively. I'm sure he'll see time there through the season, but if he's there too permanently too soon, it really risks him being exposed and exploited by mature oposition attacks.

McKellar may get away with playing Sua'ali'i at 13 for the first couple of rounds though, and then switch him out before the games against tougher opposition come to really work his weaknesses.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Walton is playing for a job over the opening few rounds I reckon. With the recruits and guys like Ropata maturing he'll have some pressure. Fuck, remember when they gave him a shot at 15 last year in the trials...

Forwards are thin though as you say. Hope a guy like Talataina can establish himself as a consistent part of the 23.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Foketi is not really the sort of centre I'm talking about in Walton at 13. That's no knock on him, but Walton is your more reliable, defensive player that helps connect the backline, something similar to what Stewart has offered at both the Reds and Force. I think that Foketi-Walton pairing is the way to go, particularly early on while Sua'ali'i is still finding his feet defensively. I'm sure he'll see time there through the season, but if he's there too permanently too soon, it really risks him being exposed and exploited by mature oposition attacks.

McKellar may get away with playing Sua'ali'i at 13 for the first couple of rounds though, and then switch him out before the games against tougher opposition come to really work his weaknesses.

Over time I think O'Donnell will show to be a better all round player than Walton. He is a goer and maximises his skill set but it is limited like Stewart. You know what you'll get every time which can be comforting at first but eventually it won't be enough when you want them to push to the next level.

While JS does have risks from being a target he also possesses an ability to do things others guys in the side cant. Risk v reward debate, and when the team is coming from last place I think a lot of people could be OK with taking a risk which may speed up his development as well. He's 21 but has a lot more footy experience then his age assumes.

 

[BDA]

Will Saturday's trial be streamed / broadcast anywhere?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

This one wasn't last year I don't think. Havent heard anything either.

Disaster result last year which was a pretty accurate indication of the season ahead so hopefully a much better showing this year. If they can't win it by 25 I'll be fairly worried.

 

[HarryElite]

This one wasn't last year I don't think. Havent heard anything either.

Disaster result last year which was a pretty accurate indication of the season ahead so hopefully a much better showing this year. If they can't win it by 25 I'll be fairly worried.

its live streamed on nswrugbytv i believe, i saw it on the facebook pages somewhere.

looking at the tahs team/squad and the pasifica squad - if tahs dont win by 50, you'd be pretty disappointed.

28 players who have trained full time and had an overseas trial, plenty of super rugby and rep caps against a squad who's had 3 training sessions and most of the better 'islanders' unavailable or not allowed to play, it should be shellacking

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Good to see the Tahs get the 20s team playing as well.

Keep building for the future.

 

[Love2Scrum]

its live streamed on nswrugbytv i believe, i saw it on the facebook pages somewhere.

looking at the tahs team/squad and the pasifica squad - if tahs dont win by 50, you'd be pretty disappointed.

28 players who have trained full time and had an overseas trial, plenty of super rugby and rep caps against a squad who's had 3 training sessions and most of the better 'islanders' unavailable or not allowed to play, it should be shellacking

Surprised not to see PI players who were selected for the Tahs U19 in 2024 not playing for the Pasifica team this weekend.

Any reason why they were not allowed to play???

 

[TSR]

Good to see the Tahs get the 20s team playing as well.

Keep building for the future.
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Interesting to see the younger sibling of Qld stalwart Joe Brial having a run with the young Tahs.

Mustn’t have found the path to the light yet.

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

NSW can win the comp I rekon.

 

[Major Tom]

Good to see the Tahs get the 20s team playing as well.

Keep building for the future.
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Does this mean Lemoto signed to NRL? Or too young?

 

[Yoda]

That said given the new found expansive Wallaby play late last year and Sualli playing his first game for the Tahs you’d think a crowd less than 20k would be disappointing. Thats assuming rugby starts actually advertising the game is on.

The joint will be packed.. they are the Super rugby favourites remember!

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Interesting to see the younger sibling of Qld stalwart Joe Brial having a run with the young Tahs.

Mustn’t have found the path to the light yet.

QLD stalwart. Nice one. You mean former Crusader?

Scots > NSW U18s > Aus U18s > Crusaders > NZ U20s > Reds
He may be the youngest journeyman I can think of. Tizzano could give that a shake having dabbled in the English 2nd Tier.

Toby is a hell of a player. Huge motor and frame. He'd be bigger than his older brother and one I really hope the Tahs hold onto long term.

Does this mean Lemoto signed to NRL? Or too young?

This one would get more attention if he'd signed anywhere. There's a few guys in the backrow returning from the recent U19s Tahs so may just wait his turn right now. A guy like Doyle has been shifted into the Second Row from 8 in the 19s season so it's a pretty full group of backrowers.

Overall it is a young side with Brial, Fittler, Hartman, Blank all straight out of School. One name I don't see though is Liam Grover who was arguably the form Centre in the 19s but can play Wing easily. Injured?

Happy to see some continuity from sides that have steamrolled through years of rep footy with the NSW 16s and 18s. Guys like Langi are already playing 1st Grade for the SS winners.