How good is rugby across the world. The European competitions are heading towards their finals, Super Rugby is intriguing on many levels and community rugby is up and running across the country.
The British & Irish Lions have been named and I can honestly say I fancy our chances against them. After my chat with Nick W and JB on the pod earlier in the week I can see a path to victory that does not include just hope and heart.
Mason Gordon retires
Our thoughts are with the Gordon family who have had a tough year with both boys suffering career defining injuries. Carter has a spinal injury that sees him out for an undefined amount of time while Mason copped a substantial concussion in the preseason; he’s still suffering from symptoms.
In a sport where the injury rate is 100% players need to look after themselves and make decisions that will leave them with good health later in life. Some will get the chance to play either professionally or at an amateur level until they are 40 and some like Mason will retire medically at 22.
Below is his open letter in full
After sustaining a concussion during pre-season training from which I continue to have symptoms, and with the support of medical advice, I have made the difficult decision to retire from rugby on medical grounds.
This is not how, or when, I anticipated my career concluding after I signed a contract at the Queensland Reds in October 2024, the same year I made my Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels.
This is an unfortunate injury, however I am grateful for the memories I have of my professional Rugby career and will cherish the friendships I have made forever.
I want to express my thanks to all of the medical staff who have been involved in this process, especially Karl Denvir (Head Of Medical) and Neil Stevenson (Team Doctor) at the Queensland Reds.
I also want to thank the Queensland Reds organisation as a whole, especially Les Kiss and Sam Cordingley, who have given me the opportunity to achieve a childhood dream of mine and play for Queensland.
Having the opportunity to make my Reds debut against the Welsh national team with my lifelong best mate Louis Werchon is a special memory, as was having the opportunity to tour Tonga, Japan and the UK as a Queensland Red. My short time at the Reds was enjoyable, and the strong culture of the Reds means I am excited to watch their future success as a supporter.
I want to also thank Brisbane Boys’ College, Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club and the Melbourne Rebels for encouraging my love of the game and all contributing to giving me the opportunity to play professional Rugby.
Finally, I want to thank my parents for their ongoing support and assistance in making this decision.
Concussion is a topic of interest within world sport, and I understand people might be interested in speaking with me about what I have experienced, but I request that media respect my privacy and also my ongoing challenges. I am grateful that I have been able to continue my studies.
I’m in the final year of an undergraduate degree at QUT, studying Property Economics. I’m excited for the next chapter and want to thank all of the friends and family who have supported me on and off the field.
Friday 5:05 pm AEST – Hurricanes v Highlanders at SKY Stadium, Wellington,
Canes are hitting form at the right time so I will pick them by 12
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Pasilio Tosi, Zach Gallgher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punival, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Bailyn Sullivan, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Will Tucker, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Referee: Marcus Playle Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Stu Curran TMO: Glenn Newman
Friday 7:35 pm AEST – NSW Waratahs v Crusaders at Allianz Stadium, Sydney,
The Saders have lost a bit of credibility after the Chiefs gave them a bit of a touch up. I fully expect them to be competitive, however if you look at the injuries they are to the class of the team. The Tahs are fighting for the season and weren’t that bad against a good Reds team. Give me the Tahs to keep their season on life support.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Daniel Botha, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Lalakai Foketi
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Quinten Strange, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Referee: Paul Williams Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter TMO: Richard Kelly
Saturday 2:35 pm AEST – Fijian Drua v Western Force at Churchill Park, Lautoka,
Drua are at their spiritual home of Lautoka but they were garbage last week so I will take the Force in an upset.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Leone Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Leone Nawai, Inia Tabuavou, Selestino Ravutaumada
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep; Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Mac Grealy, Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Sam Carter, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, George Poolman
Referee: Jordan Way Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey TMO: Brett Cronan
Saturday 5:05 pm AEST – Moana Pasifika v Blues at North Harbour Stadium,
The Killdozers are back but it will be a game of big hits only. Blues to be black and blue but to win by 7
PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Julian Savea
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Cam Christie, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Ben O’Keeffe TMO: Glenn Newman
Saturday 7:35 pm AEST – ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds,
The Reds casualty ward is getting a bit our of hand, watch for HMP to have a big game but ultimately the Brums should win this one.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Kalani Thomas, Dre Pakeho, Heremaia Murray
Referee: Nic Berry Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Kaminski TMO: James Leckie
Injured lists
Blues
- Anton Segner (shoulder)
- Stephen Perofeta (leg)
- Reon Paul (shoulder)
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck/season)
- Sam Darry (shoulder/season)
Brumbies
- Jack Debreczeni (groin injury/round 16)
- Luke Reimer (HIA/round 16)
- Noah Lolesio (undergoing assessments/TBC)
- Charlie Cale (lower back injury/2-3 weeks)
- Austin Anderson (jaw fracture/4-6 weeks)
- Tevita Alatini (ACL/TBC)
- Blake Schoupp (Achilles/season)
Crusaders
- Scott Barrett (thumb/1-2 weeks)
- Fletcher Newell (Achilles/1-2 weeks)
- Ethan Blackadder (hamstring/3 weeks)
- Xavier Saifoloi (medial ligament/3 weeks)
- Will Jordan (medial ligament/TBC)
- Finlay Brewis (shoulder/season)
- Taha Kemara (knee/season)
- Dom Gardiner (foot/season)
Fijian Drua
- Zuriel Togiatama (shoulder/short-term)
- Vilive Miramira (knee/short-term)
- Ilaisa Droasese (wrist/short-term)
- Epeli Momo (knee/long-term)
- Frank Lomani (shoulder/long-term)
- Caleb Muntz (shoulder/short-term)
- Meli Derenalagi (knee/long-term)
Hurricanes
- Kini Naholo (knee/season)
- Caleb Delany (back/TBC)
- Harry Godfrey (lower leg/TBC)
- Tyrel Lomax (ankle/round 15)
Highlanders
- Nikora Broughton (knee MCL/2-3 weeks)
- Caleb Tangitau (TBC)
- James Arscott (shoulder/TBC)
- Hugh Renton (groin/TBC)
- Finn Hurley (quad/season)
- Hayden Michaels (hamstring/season)
- Ajay Faleafaga (hand/season)
Moana Pasifika
- Alamanda Motuga (shoulder)
- Fine Inisi (ankle)
- Michael Curry (neck)
- Pone Fa’amausili (calf)
- Neria Fomai (knee/season)
- Sama Malolo (shoulder/season).
Queensland Reds
- George Blake
- Matt Faessler
- Josh Flook
- Matt Gibbon
- Frankie Goldsbrough
- Mason Gordon
- Isaac Henry
- Alex Hodgman
- Tom Lynagh
- Will McCulloch
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
- Seru Uru
- Harry Wilson
- Liam Wright
NSW Waratahs
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (concussion, jaw)
- Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
- Jimmy Hendren (broken wrist)
Western Force
- Nick Champion de Crespigny (HIA)
- Vaiolini Ekuasi (shoulder)
- Lopeti Faifua (calf)
- Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee)
- Harry Hoopert (knee)
- Divad Palu (shoulder)
- Marley Pearce (shoulder)
- Dylan Pietsch (quad)
- Matt Proctor (shoulder)
- Carlo Tizzano (pectoral)
