Dctarget
Jason Little (69)
Significant downgrade on Gleeson.. I like Angus's work ethic but hopefully nothing more than a bench player for the 'Tahs.
Waratahs 2026
- Thread starter Agent
- Start date
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
Would love Gleeson at 8 but he was gone before this was ever on the cards so a pickup of an established pro is a positive IMO. Leota and FLWgone.
7s: Gamble, Adamson, Durbige (Rookie
6/8s: Talataina, Samu, Doyle (Rookie) and potentially Halahalo
ASY (Angus Scott-Young) makes the current group better.
7s: Gamble, Adamson, Durbige (Rookie
6/8s: Talataina, Samu, Doyle (Rookie) and potentially Halahalo
ASY (Angus Scott-Young) makes the current group better.
Dctarget
Jason Little (69)
I partially agree, you need to juggle player retention and winning games but we have such a bias for unknown potential compared to current level.
We assume that player's progression will be linear and continue as they age. Petaia is a great example, burst onto the scene at 19 and we all thought sky's the limit and he hasn't really gotten significantly better. Outside backs are particularly vulnerable to this bias. Forwards are a different kettle of fish.
We also love future players because it's a rosy world with limitless potential compared to the stark reality of the current crop and what we know they can produce.
Hendren for example is older than Sua'ali'i and Jorgensen.
JRugby2
Arch Winning (36)
This is the sad part of the rebels going under (and having a small competition more broadly) in that we have no where for these types of stories to go and continue their development. In the NRL guys like this would probably find a home on a roster somewhere and have the opportunity to at least try and continue to develop.
If he's no longer on the Tahs radar you have to feel it's probably curtains on his career.
My view is based around where the team is at. They've been a struggling to mediocre team for a few years.
If you're a competitor for the title you want more players at the bottom end of the roster who are ready to play right now if needed. If you're at the other end of the spectrum you shift the balance to promoting young talent in the hope that it's what will help you become a competitor a few years down the track.
We've clearly lost some forwards who we would have loved to retain but largely I'm in favour of the shift to youth. I think the Tahs also need to change the narrative that starring in our under 19s team is the best way to straight into the senior squad rather than look elsewhere.
I don't think that's necessarily the case. I think the Tahs have absolutely made the right choice picking out Grover from a younger age group as a better talent.
I think Sharples has plenty of potential to be a third string guy on a bunch of Super Rugby squads or in other competitions. That spot just isn't available at the Tahs this season.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
I would've been happy enough to see him back at the Reds, but available cash in the locks/backrow needs to go to a 3rd string lock option first. The backrow is already very well covered with Wilson, McReight, Uru, Brial, Bryant and now Latu and Robinson showing well coming through. Signing Angus would probably force Uru to operate as the 3rd string lock which wouldn't have been an ideal result.
JRugby2
Arch Winning (36)
Is that spot open anywhere though? I agree he's probably good enough - my point is, is that there are lots of players who are good enough to be there but their isn't a spot available for them in Australia. Is it likely that he'll get a gig OS?
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
I think the Force would make sense for him, the Brumbies could maybe use another 9 but their crop is already really concentrated around that age group so I don't think he fits there.
He's probably a prime candidate for MLR or Japan though. He is also South Korean qualified, so if they were to make more of a push internationally now that the world cup has been expanded he could have some options there.
JRugby2
Arch Winning (36)
MLR is on shaky ground as a competition but that's probably the most likely spot for him with Japanese Rugby becoming more and more picky on who they sign from overseas.
Adam84
Tim Horan (67)
Not sure I’d class Folau Fainga’a as a wrecking ball, he is a bit more workman like as well(in a good way). Don’t remember him ever being a big ball carrier or overly dominant in collisions.
Red Runner
Charlie Fox (21)
perhaps he means the Crusader guy?
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
Ioane Moananu.
Jack Barrett is the other guy in the squad who is coming towards a crossroads with some of the units who will filter through like Goddard, Langi etc. Mass was his issue and he is looking bigger but can he get to big enough?
Jack Barrett is the other guy in the squad who is coming towards a crossroads with some of the units who will filter through like Goddard, Langi etc. Mass was his issue and he is looking bigger but can he get to big enough?
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Moannanu is, but not really any more so than Vailanu was. Certainly not enough to offset the shift in other positions. It's not necessarily a problem, but it will likely mean a pretty big tactical shift is required, paticularly given how important Bell and Gleeson were to the tahs this year.
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
I want to see maul after maul being worked on with FF (Folau Fainga'a) coming on board. He's one of the great sneaks from the back of a GOOD MAUL.
Red Runner
Charlie Fox (21)
Assume Gamble is 7 and Samu is 8??? Would Tah fans prefer Hooper or ASY (Angus Scott-Young) at 6? Or is there another player I am forgetting? Young Talataina or even Doyle? Would you consider Doyle more a backrower at this grade?