Boy, that’s some hard goodbyes to say. Hope Heath is staying around in some way?
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Boy, that’s some hard goodbyes to say. Hope Heath is staying around in some way?
Disappointing to be losing Stowers, Ferris and Placid. The first 2 were excellent this year and I think we need Placid in the back 3 - certainly rate him higher than Lacey and Brache currently.
Also surprising and disappointing to see so many local products not being renewed. Hopefully that indicates signings of higher quality on the way...
Still seven signed players from last year with no announcement as yet.
Its sad too see a lot of these guys go but don't forget that they might be going for all different reasons.
I think some may be leaving because of injuries. Ferris I think had quite a few bad concussions this year. Placid had a huge injury from last year that ruled him out for the whole 2020 season.
Stowers I assume is probably leaving for family reasons as his whole family is in NZ and I don't think border closures would have helped with this.
I dont agree with you in relation to Pama Fou. I believe his NRC campaign last year was pretty disappointing.
We must not forget that we are now playing in super rugby, not GRR, this is a level up and in 2022 we could very well be playing the likes of the Crusaders and Hurricanes. This means our squad needs to be a lot stronger and at the movement a lot of the older guys are a lot stronger then some of our youngsters. As much as I like AJ and Sheminant, I just don't think they are up to Super level (maybe if GRR restarts in 2022 then we can get these guys back but for the level of comp that we will be in for 2021 and 2022 they are just not up to standard).
I think the strategy with the older guys is pretty simple. To bring some depth and experience short term and also to help develop some of the youngsters that have the potential to take the next step. Imagine what the likes of Ralston, McGregor and Lacey will be able to learn from someone as experienced Kearney. What will Taefu be able to learn from someone like TK at his side. What will guys like Wagner and Hardman be able to learn from the likes of Longbottom and Holmes. Look at how much Fergus has learnt from someone like Thrush.
I trust that Hodgo and Sampson know exactly what they are doing.
I think that even in a perfect world Hodgo and Tim Sampson, and Dr Forrest would sign every young locally-developed talent. I believe that its a very safe bet that whilst Dr. Forrrest is a Bazillionaire he has set a budget and I don't expect Hodgo and Tim Sampson are allowed to exceed that budget.
Sad to see those guys go .... I had high hopes for a Jooste Mc Gregor Ralston combo going forward...... aah well
Tim Anstee added.
I hope Rodda is the next signing back from O/S.
He's been added twice
Have I missed something because I can't remember seeing anything to say we've signed Jake McIntyre
I'm getting a sense that the NRC is a goer next year, which is in part driving a strong Force player list for next year.
I'm taking Nick Taylors word as gospel and added the Argies :approve: