Waratahs 2025
- Thread starter RugbyReg
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TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
I dunno - just out if the current test squad as a minimum I’d say Slipper, Frost, McReight, Valetini, Wilson, Gordon, White, Paisami & Wright all clearly improved over time. Tupou took great strides early before injuries appear to have set him back. I’m probably missing a couple.
Out of those it’s only White who improved his game OS.
I get that there are some real issues in Australian rugby and it is frustrating. I don’t understand though the need to shitcan absolutely everything. Doesn’t that just make things more depressing?
Out of those it’s only White who improved his game OS.
I get that there are some real issues in Australian rugby and it is frustrating. I don’t understand though the need to shitcan absolutely everything. Doesn’t that just make things more depressing?
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
yeah, nah.
Foley had an exceptional running game which is why he came through the 7s and then the Tahs title season it was seen countless times. Noah is a tidy organiser. Can get a job done but never lights it up. Another player benefiting from our lack of genuine playmakers.
Foley had an exceptional running game which is why he came through the 7s and then the Tahs title season it was seen countless times. Noah is a tidy organiser. Can get a job done but never lights it up. Another player benefiting from our lack of genuine playmakers.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
There is great wisdom in this. Saves money, helps development, freshens players up. Impossible for it to be everyone, but as many as practical is a good start. This combined with a full Australia A program probably could fill the gap a bit until financially the game is in a position to look again at a domestic 3rd tier.
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
Just like rugby league. Most of the incomes, tickets and sponsorships come from Australia. That's how the Kiwis has a decent pool of professional players with only one professional team. NZRU should be supportive of Australian Rugby. Not even for being a good person, it's rugby disappears in Australia would be a disaster for them in terms of incomes. And soon or later the NRL is gonna chase the NZRU.
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
How does it save money? Who’s paying for 120 players to go live and play in NZ for 3 months?
rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
Shute Shield winning quartet re-sign with NSW Waratahs
www.rugby.com.au
Bowen, Wilson, Heaven and Grant all re-sign
Would like to see more of Wilson next year
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The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
All good signings. Covers and creates depth in some key spots.
Heaven exceeded expectations IMO. I'd like to see Fonokalifi back as well. He was really strong towards the back end of the year.
Heaven exceeded expectations IMO. I'd like to see Fonokalifi back as well. He was really strong towards the back end of the year.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
With Dobbins coming in for Fourie (and assuming Vailanu stays) I'm sure there will be room for Fonokalafi, at least in a full squad placement.
That said, Porecki's fitness looks pretty questionable at this stage so a 5th hooker might not be the worst idea.
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
Porecki is a complete unknown. Can only assume they made a call to shut him down and hopefully get a full pre-season under his belt. Must of been pretty bad as he didn't turn out for Manly either and they made the finals in the Shute Shield with a pretty solid team including Foketi, Thompson-Stringer.
God I wish Vailanu was 2, 3 inches taller. He's good but it's always going to hold him back to some degree.
Yeah, It's a bit meh tbh. He had all the makings to kick on like natural size but seemed off the pace then injuries hit. Good luck to him. Wonder if DM will bring in some Props. Wouldn't surprise me to see an ITM Cup Prop or two show up in pre season.
snoopycatchicken
Frank Nicholson (4)
This is a pretty significant loss. He had a really impressive 2022 and looked like he could kick on to the next level.
John S
Peter Fenwicke (45)
All good until he decides to stay over there on the good foreign coin (if they extend the contract)
The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
I dare say he wouldn't be earning much more than he was at the Tahs. Opportunity to keep playing pro rugby.
Look at Horton. He got a chance to come back and has been strong for the Force. Hope he plays plenty and develops.
Look at Horton. He got a chance to come back and has been strong for the Force. Hope he plays plenty and develops.
Crashy
John Solomon (38)
Heard we have something like 100 Australians playing pro rugby ( at various levels of $) around the world. Our problem has never been talent, its been the lack of $ to keep them in Australia. Pretty much luck football around the world for almost every country apart from the big 3-4.