Just as I suspected....
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Yeah but by which team???
The only one he wants to play for.
An exodus is what we need. Wanting to sign Rona is a very good start in terms of recruitment IMHO and shows a positive intent from the force and ARU. Lacey and Koteka I would keep. Always thought Alcock was decent. I would think maybe that he would be wanting to see what is happening with Hodgson's contract. Doubt he would want to continue to play under him if Hodgo would be signed again for any length of time. I think Alcock would want to be told that Hodgo would be eased out of the role after his sterling service and into another (possibly coaching) role.
Sadly, looking through this list again it's likely that Gus Cottrell should be added to the list of possibilities especially if Hodgo doesn't get extended.
Although his form has been a bit below what he showed prior to his serious ankle injury at the end of last year (when he was pushing Wallabies selection) he still has heaps of potential and value at 6 or 8.
A logical move would be the Reds in order to be closer to his family.
Gus' departure would certainly provide the opportunity of more game time for Hardwick.
Not surprisingly, a similar story from Chris Dutton in the Canberra Times:
http://www.watoday.com.au/rugby-unio...24-gpquap.html
The Canberra times will jump on it because there's a rumour of somebody going to the brumbies. Payten is a twat and I wouldn't think his research is any better than reading chook guts.
If the original came from Wayne Smith I'd be worried (he seems to have the scoop on everything brumbies)
If Godwin does go, do we move Tapuai in to 12 or keep him at 13? I always thought Tapuai was better suited to 12. Downside there is we then don't have a solid option for 13. Or Masirewa to 13?
Luke Burton might back a better back up 10/15 rather than a 12.
Godwin and Alcock is a done deal, dead set...
Call me an optimist but I'm hoping our partner (ARU) is going to help us with some serious recruiting for next year. Come the pre-season I'd like to see quite a few new signings to go along with our new world-class coach. I may be inspired to renew my gold membership.
Ben Matwijow is believed to be signed for 2017. At the start of today's Shute Shield on tv game as he was playing wing with Norths. He was a fill in at the Reds with Douglas injured.
Albert Nikoro to join Zack Holmes at La Rochelle
Guys we've still got 2 marque spots to fill now
Which position(s) do you think are most in need?
My thoughts:
We should be OK at hooker even if one of Charles and Tessman leave as Scoble and Rangi look like capable back-ups.
We should be OK in the back-row, as I can't believe that we will lose all the players who have been mentioned as going out the door.
We now seem to have decent scrum- and fly-halves, and a back three (and reserve) in: Morahan, DHP, Rona and Brache.
Lock? Prop? Centre?
If Mafi and Walton are going, I think we only have Coleman and RHP at lock.
Cowan and Faulkner are OK, but aren't dominating props. None of the younger guys appear to have stepped up.
If Godwin and Rasolea are going, that leaves us with Burton and Tapuai in the centres.
The marque signings will need to be stand-out players, as we don't have holes in the squad (such as Alby filled) and we don't need players who are only of reserve quality (like of Steenkamp and Mafi)