#4 Stephen Moore
The fact that Moore left the Reds for Canberra sighting the opportunity ‘enjoy more success’ was a kick in the teeth for Reds fans who were only just learning to cope with a lack of finals footy. Moore’s loss was one of curious timing as a new broom was being swept through Queensland Rugby under new coach Phil Mooney, assistant coach Mark Bell and High Performance Director, Ben Whittaker.
If reports are correct then Moore was stalling signing his contract as he looked at options with the Brumbies and the Force. In the meantime, the Fainga’a twins were signed by their former Australia Under 19 coaches in Mooney and Bell. So Saia and Steve swapped and we got Anthony as part of the deal.
The Fainga’as have been wonderful signings for the Reds and were key components to our success in 2011, but one can’t wonder how we let Moore go especially as he finished his last year with the Reds as the Wallaby hooker. Perhaps what hurts more was the reasons for his departure and an overall unhappiness with the organisation. It reiterates the point that a successful team needs a strong front office, and perhaps that played a large factor in losing Moore.
