Waratahs 2026
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Filipo Daugunu
Chris McKivat (8)
Arese Poliko for sure.
Major Tom
John Solomon (38)
Hardly mobile enough to move to the back row surely.
Tazzmania
Alex Ross (28)
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molman
John Thornett (49)
It's a shame as I don't think we really saw enough of him (FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner)).
I don't have time to do it, but does anyone have the total ins and outs coupled with average time at club for players in the Australian teams? It would be interesting to see this against historically successful clubs / winners. My gut says that it has been too high at the Tahs for awhile now. Can't keep using that word rebuilding becuase they're always rebuilding with a significantly new squad every year.
John S
Ken Catchpole (46)
It does seem to be a bit of a turnstile, at least with some of the imports.
Tahs had done well hanging onto club stalwarts like Gordon, Holloway and Sinclair etc
RebelYell
Colin Windon (37)
Who says that they didn't have oppportunities interstate and overseas, but chose to stay at Ballymore?
Rob42
Alan Cameron (40)
Absolutely the turnover is too high. It's reflective of a new coach starting from scratch every 2-3 years, usually with complete changes to those in the general manager/director of rugby/director of performance roles. A new plan every time. And never a chance to get out of the cycle of mediocre performances, as whatever is being built gets torn down after 2-3 years and someone new starts building.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I agree. Thomas was playing well for the Reds last year and I think he's a current starting 9 in calibre, but we sometimes think it would just plug and play somewhere else immediately and it's not always the case. Especially for the young guys. An older head like White is more able to show up and adapt.
The best bet can be to stay where you are thriving and continue the path with known combinations.
The Tahs backrow numbers are an issue but I have to think they have some targets in mind with them seeming to chose to let go others. Is Kunavula still around? Brad Wilkin would be a good get but also very similar to whats already on board. A lot of the names like Swinton, Kemeny are signed through the end of next year.
Might we see some guys look to come back to Aus prior to the WC to push for selection. It will help to be in country regardless of eligibility changes.
The best bet can be to stay where you are thriving and continue the path with known combinations.
The Tahs backrow numbers are an issue but I have to think they have some targets in mind with them seeming to chose to let go others. Is Kunavula still around? Brad Wilkin would be a good get but also very similar to whats already on board. A lot of the names like Swinton, Kemeny are signed through the end of next year.
Might we see some guys look to come back to Aus prior to the WC to push for selection. It will help to be in country regardless of eligibility changes.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
No unsurprising with a new HC. They inherit the first year and have to turn it over as well as some players who get deals you'd like to keep like Gleeson.
You'd like to see some more signings but hopefully they're coming. There has been some good re-signings though with Wilson, Kailea, O'Donnell, Botha etc.
Makes it all the more important to get behind DM. Worst result is to can him if they have an average year and a new coach has to then pickup with a half built squad and the cycle goes again. I don't think NSW is going to attract a better coach than him currently so get in there and let him develop the group and the young guys in the system.
You'd like to see some more signings but hopefully they're coming. There has been some good re-signings though with Wilson, Kailea, O'Donnell, Botha etc.
Makes it all the more important to get behind DM. Worst result is to can him if they have an average year and a new coach has to then pickup with a half built squad and the cycle goes again. I don't think NSW is going to attract a better coach than him currently so get in there and let him develop the group and the young guys in the system.
Looks a big chunk of human as well. Really high hopes on this guy.
Hogan
Ward Prentice (10)
It’s a very good point you make. Very hard to build combinations and cohesion in a squad with so many changes. It does seem that the Tahs are always looking for that shiny new thing who is going to make a difference.
Major Tom
John Solomon (38)
Yeah that’s probably what’s happened. Boys clearly love playing for the reds which is a good sign for Qld.
Many were on 1-year contracts so it's not surprising. And tbh, there aren't many i would classify as regretful.
Gleeson and Tupou are big losses, and Porecki (but he retired) and Bell (but he'll be back). Lancaster is a shame - but we have plenty of depth there. Personally I'd have preferred to keep him than gain Potter.
But the rest, solid without being spectacular.
I think FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner)'s time was up. He's not mobile enough for backrow these days and not big enough for lock.
There are lots of really good, big, mobile backrows in shute shield running around. Surely there are a couple ready for the next level.
Red Runner
Frank Nicholson (4)
Is Zack Fitler playing rugby anywhere at the moment? Is he still at school?
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
named in the NSW under 19s side:
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Playing 1sts Colts for Eastern Suburbs.
I had really high hopes for Lancaster and he was given a fair shot but failed to nail it when guys like Reilly really stepped up. Potter seems like he wanted back East and it was too good to not sign a consistent player. Darby has a bright future. Hes big and fast but gets himself in some unforgivable defensive positions too often. Tahs aren't good enough to cover such lapses.
Hopefully Lancaster goes overseas rather than ends up in league. I think he showed towards the back end of the season and then against the Lions he warranted a spot but it would seem the decision had been made by then. Big fan of Reilly too.