Waratahs 2025

[The GroundsKeeper]

Here is my early waratahs prediction for next year assuming everyone is fit and ready
1. Angus Bell
2. Dave Porecki
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Jed Holloway
5 Miles Amatosero
6. Rob Leota
7. Charlie Gamble
8. Langi Gleeson
9. Jake Gordon (C)
10. Tane Edmed (not sure if he will return though he hinted at end of season he may move on)
11. Darby Lancaster
12. Lalakai Forketi
13. Joseph Sua'ali'i (if he comes to waratahs)
14. Andrew Kellaway or Dylan Pietsch
15. Max Jorgensen

16. Julian Heaven
17. Isaac Kailea
18. Hayden Thomas-Stinger
19. Hugh Sinclair
20. Fergus Lee Warner
21. Teddy Wilson
22. Then who ever isn't picked at 14 as a utility
23. Joey Walton

 

[TheScrumMachine]

I agree with majority of that list and I'm sure my predictions will change as we get closer to the season but I would have Andrew Kellaway at fullback instead of Max Jorgensen and i would probably have Fergus Lee Warner or Hugh Sinclair over Miles Amatosero but I haven't watch much of him so I could be wrong.

 

[The GroundsKeeper]

Are you saying that you would have Max on the bench and then have Kellaway at full back with leaves 14 to Dylan. Yes I do properly agree that Sinclair should be starting but on his day Miles can be damaging for the opposition.

 

[Ignoto]

So looking at that forward pack, are we going to see the Tahs revert back to the Foley and Chris Hickey days of rugby?

 

[TheScrumMachine]

Personally, I don't see the Tahs reverting back to the Foley and Chris Hickey days of rugby. There's a new coach with a different style, and the culture around the team has evolved significantly. The current environment is all about innovation and adaptability, and the squad is focused on developing a more dynamic and modern approach to the game. The forward pack will still be very dominant and physical but there will be more emphasis the the backs.

 

[The GroundsKeeper]

I think you have summed it up pretty well the Waratahs are going in with a new approach to the future and look to have a fit and energetic forward pack. I also think that if the backline is picked correctly by Dan that it will a very damaging and should look to always be putting on pressure.

 

[TheScrumMachine]

I think with this approach and executed correctly, the Tahs could be in the running for winning it.

 

[The GroundsKeeper]

Look would love to see the Tahs bounce back the way you believe they will but to come from winning the wooden spoon to a GF is unlikely, it will take a year or two to build back up, as well there are lots of other strong teams who have been making some great signings.

 

[TheScrumMachine]

What do you think are the stronger signings/teams? the Tahs a pretty good lineup don't you think?

 

[The GroundsKeeper]

What do you think are the stronger signings/teams? the Tahs a pretty good lineup don't you think?

Brumbies
Players in:
Tuaina Taii TUALIMA
David FELIUAI
Both from the rebels

Players Out
Fred KAIHEA
Connal MCINERNEY
Ed KENNEDY
Darcy SWAIN
Jahrome BROWN
Tamati TUA
Angus STANIFORTH
Lachie SHAW
Hudson CREIGHTON
Austin ANDERSON
Ben O'DONNELL

Force
Players in
Tom Robertson
Harry Johnson-Holmes
Brandon Paenga-Amosa
Nic Dolly
Darcy Swain
Josh Thompson
Nick Champion de Crespigny
Vaiolini Ekuasi
Divad Palu
Players Out
Ollie Cummins
Ryan Coxon
Josh Bartlett
Ben Funnell
Felix Kalapu
Jackson Pugh
Campbell Parata
Reds
Players in
Matt GIBBON
Lukhan SALAKAIA-LOTO
Josh CANHAM
Filipo DAUGUNU
Lachie ANDERSON
Players Out
Peni RAVAI
Cormac DALY
Connor ANDERSON
Macarius PEREIRA
Richie ASIATA

Dura
Players in
PENI RAVAI
Joseva TAMANI
Inia TABUAVOU
Players Out
Te Ahiwaru
Ratu Nemani KURUCAKE
Avakuki NIUSALELEKITOGA

Pacifica
Players in
Ardie SAVEA
Sione HAVILI
Pat PELLEGRINI
Willy HAVILI
Tuna TUITAMA
Players Out
Sekope KEPU
Tevita LANGI,
Solomone FUNAKI
Henry TAEFU
Anzelo TUITAVUKI
Viliami NAPA'A
Aisea HALO
Kyren TAUMOEFOLAU

Hurricanes
Players In
Zach GALLAGHER
TK HOWDEN
Players Out
Justin SANGSTER
Veveni LASAQA,
TJ PERENARA
Aidan MORGAN
Jordie BARRETT
Salesi RAYASI
Joshua MOORBY
Jacob DEVERY
Kianu KERERU-SYMES
Raymond TUPUTUPU
TK HOWDEN
Ngane PUNIVAI
Vernon BASON
Stanley SOLOMON
Sam COLES

Chiefs
Players in
NA
Players Out
Josh IOANE
Andrew SMITH
Malachi WRAMPLING-ALEC
Kauvaka KAIVELATA
Tom FLORENCE
Te Toiroa TAHURIORANGI
Tai CRIBB
Frank VAENUKU

Blues
Players in:
Beauden Barret
Players Out :
Soane VIKENA,
Akira IOANE
Rob RUSH
Corey EVANS
Caleb TANGITAU
PJ SHECK
Mason TUPAEA
James THOMPSON
Lucas CASHMORE
Meihana GRINDLAY
Kade BANKS,

Highlander
Players in
Soane VIKENA
Veveni LASAQA
Caleb TANGITAU
Players Out
Jermaine AINSLEY
Pari Pari PARKINSON
Billy HARMON
Rhys PATCHELL
Josh TIMU
Connor GARDEN-BACHOP
Martin BOGADO
Solomone TUKUAFU
Rohan WINGHAM
Max HICKS
Hugo PLUMMER
Nathan HASTIE,
Matt WHAANGA

Crusaders
Players in
Levi AUMUA
Macca SPRINGER
Players Out
Quentin MACDONALD
Zach GALLAGHER
Fergus BURKE
Jone ROVA
Leigh HALFPENNY
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN
Finlay BREWIS
Quinten STRANGE
Antonio SHALFOON
Tahlor CAHILL
Fletcher ANDERSON
Willi HEINZ
Rivez REIHANA
Taine ROBINSON
Heremaia MURRAY
Gus BROWN

 

[HogansHeros]

We are gunna win

 

[rugbyAU]

Here is my early waratahs prediction for next year assuming everyone is fit and ready
4. Jed Holloway

Holloway has left - he had an early release from his contract

Experienced coach in frame for Waratahs as another star seeks release

A former right-hand man of Eddie Jones is in the running to become NSW coach, after a previous front-runner opted for a move to Japan.

www.smh.com.au

 

[Wilson]

Okay less inspiring. Hopefully Pone enjoyed his couple weeks in Sydney.

The longer he takes to sign the more chance he ends up in Perth I think

You seem to be counting players doing a stint in NPC as departing, might want to check your data

 

[The GroundsKeeper]

Holloway has left - he had an early release from his contract

Sorry I didn't see that but can be easiest replaced with new players.

 

[The GroundsKeeper]

The longer he takes to sign the more chance he ends up in Perth I think

You seem to be counting players doing a stint in NPC as departing, might want to check your data

Yes but majority are leaving

 

[eastman]

Personally, I don't see the Tahs reverting back to the Foley and Chris Hickey days of rugby. There's a new coach with a different style, and the culture around the team has evolved significantly. The current environment is all about innovation and adaptability, and the squad is focused on developing a more dynamic and modern approach to the game. The forward pack will still be very dominant and physical but there will be more emphasis the the backs.

Is this guy a troll or some kind of AI bot?

 

[KOB1987]

Holloway has left - he had an early release from his contract

I could be wrong but I don't think anything has actually been confirmed. He asked for the early release (something to do with his American wife I believe), but it was only so he could have their blessings to explore the market. He's still a Tah at this stage.

 

[KOB1987]

Is this guy a troll or some kind of AI bot?

I wondered the same but he and thegrounskeeper joined at the same time and seem to use this platform to have conversations with each other.

 

[Adam84]

Certainly reads like AI output, why someone would bother is another question entirely

 

[rugbyAU]

Why Australian rugby will really miss Jed Holloway - Rugby News

By Jon Geddes THE day after again pulling on the jumper of his beloved Southern Districts against Randwick in the Shute Shield, Wallaby and Waratah...

rugbynews.net.au

In this article he says he's leaving