Western Force 2024

[Tazzmania]

More signings for the W team:

Force re-sign young gun Wigley, welcome back Teki-Joyce and Stephens

The Western Force have continued to strengthen their 2024 Super W squad with the re-signing of exciting full-back Aiysha Wigley and additions of Brooklyn Teki-Joyce and Anneka Stephens.

READ MORE

 

[ForceFan]

Team list for opening trial game against Reds.

New additions Tom Franklin and Will Harris will start in the forward pack, while Wallabies recruit Ben Donaldson is named at fly-half. New signings Atu Moli and Henry O’Donnell are also named on the bench for their first opportunities in the Force blue.

Four train and trial players have been included for the trip; Titi Nofogatotoa, Hamish Moore, talented UWA prop Regi Churchward and ex-Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyaravoro, along with Fortescue Academy members Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jhy Legg and Ronan Leahy.

Siosifa Amone (knee), Harry Hoopert (knee), Felix Kalapu (hamstring), Campbell Parata (hamstring), Izack Rodda (foot), Papillon Sevele (knee), Carlo Tizzano (concussion), Angus Wagner (knee) and White (shoulder) were not considered for selection due to injury.

Starting XV
1. Marley Pearce
2. Tom Horton
3. Santiago Medrano
4. Thomas Franklin
5. Jeremy Williams
6. Michael Wells
7. Tim Anstee
8. Will Harris
9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Chase Tiatia
12. Hamish Stewart
13.Sam Spink
14. Harry Potter
15. Max Burey

Reserves
Feleti Kaitu'u, Charlie Hancock, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Ollie Callan, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Taqele Naiyaravoro,
Hamish Moore, Atu Moli, Reginald Churchward, Jhy Legg, Titi Nofogatotoa, Henry Robertson, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman, Henry O’Donnell, Ronan Leahy

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Would be so good if Taqele makes a big impact but my expectations are low.

 

[ForceFan]

Would be so good if Taqele makes a big impact but my expectations are low.

He has a long way to go but on the track it's easy to see what he could be again.

 

[Thalium]

He has a long way to go but on the track it's easy to see what he could be again.

He needs a bit more fitness and to go hunting for the ball a bit more

 

[Clubhouse coach]

Caught the replay of the trial yesterday, I liked Matt Faessler’s set piece play. I thought the Force’s defence in the first thirty minutes was solid, lead by Harris, Pearce and Stewart.

 

[Wilson]

Jackson Pugh has been released to pursue overseas opportunities:

Jackson Pugh granted early release from contract

westernforce.rugby

A bit surprising given he looked to be full of potential a few years ago.

 

[Tazzmania]

Very disappointing, had a lot of potential.

Just too small for lock and too many loose forwards ahead of him at the Force.

Someone who really needed an NRC level to hone his craft for the back row.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

Jackson Pugh has been released to pursue overseas opportunities:

Jackson Pugh granted early release from contract

westernforce.rugby

A bit surprising given he looked to be full of potential a few years ago.

Very disappointing, had a lot of potential. Sounds like a move to Japan im hearing.

 

[Thalium]

Jackson Pugh has been released to pursue overseas opportunities:

Jackson Pugh granted early release from contract

westernforce.rugby

A bit surprising given he looked to be full of potential a few years ago.

Disappointing as he had a great season the NPC and one I would like to see kick on. I hope he is heading to Europe and not Japan as he will get so much better over the next few years

 

[RugbyReg]

new signing to be announced tomorrow at least.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

 

[ForceFan]

Completes the Hooker trio with some experience. Another Ben to join the Harrys.
The young developing hookers will certainly benefit from Funnell's experience.
Read more.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Funnell's 33 & hasn't played Super Rugby since 2019, is there nobody local who'd benefit from being in & around the squad while potentially getting some game time with the seconds?

 

[Wilson]

Funnell's 33 & hasn't played Super Rugby since 2019, is there nobody local who'd benefit from being in & around the squad while potentially getting some game time with the seconds?

I'm guessing with BPA signed for next year the focus is on a short term 3rd string they can rely on right now. Given most teams end up using 4 hookers there will probably still be time for the younger fringe players. Most surprising part of this for me is that there were only 2 hookers in the squad this close to the start of the season.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ didn't know BPA was heading home so, yes, makes a bit more sense now & as you say whoever's is the second team may well get a run at some stage anyway.

 

[Dan54]

Funnell's 33 & hasn't played Super Rugby since 2019, is there nobody local who'd benefit from being in & around the squad while potentially getting some game time with the seconds?

Wondered why they didn't put him in Force jersey for a photo.

 

[Thalium]

Funnell's 33 & hasn't played Super Rugby since 2019, is there nobody local who'd benefit from being in & around the squad while potentially getting some game time with the seconds?

The statement from the force says there’s some young players in the Academy but they just aren’t ready yet. Having Funnell experience around will help them. And right now we need someone experienced to join our squad if we want to win games not someone who is just learning. This signing shows the intent of the team to compete and provide competition for spots. Funnell has been playing NPC so it would have also been cost efficient for the amount of experience he brings

 

[SteveWA]

Wondered why they didn't put him in Force jersey for a photo.

Taqele took all the 6XL jerseys?

 

[D-Box]

Wondered why they didn't put him in Force jersey for a photo.

Reckon it's part of the marketing. Folks don't know the name but see the crusaders jersey so must be good.