Nuggetyflyhalf
Allen Oxlade (6)
Lonergan is better than any of the 9s in the squad, no way Ted is getting a go over him.
Waratahs 2025
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Hogan
Sydney Middleton (9)
10. Creighton (and stick with him for the whole year)
A mutterer
Chilla Wilson (44)
Thought Foketi was going?
Wilson
John Eales (66)
There's been no word one way or the other, but that's the assumption given his age and the fact that he's fallen right out of Wallaby consideration.
Agent
Charlie Fox (21)
Given that Joey Walton was just awarded best back for the Tahs in 2025 it is hard to see him not getting first crack at the 12 jumper in 2026. I also think that Wilson is putting pressure on the be the starting No.9 but don't think that this years captain will be demoted to the bench immediately, especially if he has a decent run with the Wallabies through the Lions series. I think our backline will look like:
9. Gordon
10. Creighton
11. Reilly
12. Walton
13. JAS
14. Kellaway
15. Jorgo
It will be interesting to see if the Tahs make any major signings in the back before next Super season.
Nuggetyflyhalf
Allen Oxlade (6)
Walton isn’t it mate he puts his body on the line and is tough as nails but he can’t break the line and isn’t a skilful distributor.
He hasn't really deserved a Tahs selection
Foketi is not the answer either. If you want a skillful distributor, I'm not sure JAS fits the bill there.
I would go Walton/O'Donnell - JAS/Ropata.
Nuggetyflyhalf
Allen Oxlade (6)
O’Donnell - I just haven’t seen enough from him.
Nuggetyflyhalf
Allen Oxlade (6)
Foketi’s played and performed well at test level in the past.
What 2 or 3 years ago? Handyish player, but he's turning 31 this year and is injury prone. Even if he stays at the Tahs he's not done enough to block O'Donnell who has far more upside.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
Since you think Lonergan is the best 9 in Aus I don't know how serious to take this judgement.
Guys like Walton are required if you want to be a serious team. Injuries happen and guys who are starting capable are required. I don't think Foketi is currently at starting calibre.
O'Donnell, JAS and Walton would be my top 3 and I wouldn't be surprised at this point to see Harry Wilson back. He's playing for Easts this weekend.
Rob42
Alan Cameron (40)
I think we under-estimate the recovery time from a long-term injury, especially for older players. Foketi just hasn't had much time back on the paddock. I'd still be keen to see him back next year, get a full pre-season, but I recognise you couldn't offer him a premium salary at this point.
O'Donnell is definitely one to persist with and should start next year. We saw very clearly this year though that he's a work in progress. He makes a lot of errors, particularly in defence. The upside is clear though and the issues he has are entirely solvable through coaching and experience.
Walton is a glue guy. He's been around the team for a long time and has also dealt with a lot of adversity. In my view you indisputably need a couple of guys like that in the squad (Hugh Sinclair absolutely falls in this category too).
He's not a plus starter and if that is your plan for your best team it won't be a position of strength. It also won't be a position of weakness. If you want to compare him to O'Donnell though, I'd say you would expect to see better games out of Walton more often than O'Donnell.
Ideally you'd enter 2026 with another centre option that you think is going to start next to O'Donnell. Both of those players would need to be firing though because Walton will be pushing his case for either position.
In terms of recruitment, I think you have to elevate a number of talented young players from the under 20s to the main squad and hope they remain on the periphery. Eamon Doyle is obvious in the forwards and I don't know if Liam Grover is a chance but I'd certainly be trying to sign him. He's a fairly strong chance of going to league though isn't he?
The team is in a position where it's not a couple of players away from being a contender. Time to take a few more risks and back more young players as being more important to the squad.
For example, someone like Ben Grant was really good for the team this year but there needs to be a plan that there's a younger guy with a higher ceiling trying to push him out of the XV/23.
Walton is a glue guy. He's been around the team for a long time and has also dealt with a lot of adversity. In my view you indisputably need a couple of guys like that in the squad (Hugh Sinclair absolutely falls in this category too).
He's not a plus starter and if that is your plan for your best team it won't be a position of strength. It also won't be a position of weakness. If you want to compare him to O'Donnell though, I'd say you would expect to see better games out of Walton more often than O'Donnell.
Ideally you'd enter 2026 with another centre option that you think is going to start next to O'Donnell. Both of those players would need to be firing though because Walton will be pushing his case for either position.
In terms of recruitment, I think you have to elevate a number of talented young players from the under 20s to the main squad and hope they remain on the periphery. Eamon Doyle is obvious in the forwards and I don't know if Liam Grover is a chance but I'd certainly be trying to sign him. He's a fairly strong chance of going to league though isn't he?
The team is in a position where it's not a couple of players away from being a contender. Time to take a few more risks and back more young players as being more important to the squad.
For example, someone like Ben Grant was really good for the team this year but there needs to be a plan that there's a younger guy with a higher ceiling trying to push him out of the XV/23.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
I don't know if Liam Grover has any league background but he's an athletic player that's for sure. I think he has a fuure in the 7s program as he reminds me a lot of Hutchison. Grovers younger brother is a must sign. Young 9 form last years 18s whos going to be there again this year. Some player.
Doyle and Talataina are the big pair of forwards the Tahs should look to hold long term and build around. Matt Phillip will be great for there development.
Doyle and Talataina are the big pair of forwards the Tahs should look to hold long term and build around. Matt Phillip will be great for there development.