2025 Squad - Speculation Thread

[GIGS20]

As always, you are pretty diplomatic with your comments, Tazz. Myself not so much

The way I'd put that, & allowing for a lot of players' naturally preferring to stay close to home, family & mates; is that the "system" has been purposely manipulated to not give us an even break. The manipulation has been evident in how quickly RA contracting proceeded on the East Coast compared to the West. That has improved somewhat, I think mainly due to the realisation at long last that warehousing players with little game time is detrimental to the national team. But I'd bet London to a brick that it will still be a factor.

Not to forget Peter O'Meara getting hauled over the coals for doing exactly what NSW and Qld were doing (only bigger and better)

[Burgs]

I see Daugunu is #200 for the Rebels if that helps.
Just wondering if the Brumbies have dropped the "1000"?

[tjs10]

I see Daugunu is #200 for the Rebels if that helps.
Just wondering if the Brumbies have dropped the "1000"?

No, definitely only 260 Brumbies to date in the SR era

[Burgs]

No, definitely only 260 Brumbies to date in the SR era

That's arguably more remarkable!

[Sheikh]

No, definitely only 260 Brumbies to date in the SR era

That's arguably more remarkable!

In nearly 30 seasons (and assuming they had at least 30 in their 1st year) that's 8-9 new players a year (~25% of the squad?). Sounds about the right amount of turnover for a stable side.

Looking at their record, they've only had losing seasons 6 times: '98, '99, '08, '11, '17 & '18. I guess stability leads to success!

[GIGS20]

It's a record that would make Ben Darwin smile

[Burgs]

It would be a really interesting analysis between the Franchises.
On the surface you would think at the Brumbies that it's around locking down some of the greats for long periods (ie Gregan, Larkham, Smith, Mortlock etc etc).
However, that in itself could lead to a high Squad churn as young up and commers crave match time and see themselves stuck behind incumbent legends.
How do you reconcile learning from the masters but not playing, versus playing your own way to success elsewhere?
The Force always seem to have a handful of experienced players on single year placements, as well as the younger blokes looking to progress their opportunity.
I would think over a long period, you only need to convert single year to two year engagements to see a pretty big change to the Roster numbers.
While I have previously been reminded of the influence of the Telecast Rights deal on contracting, there are examples already of beyond the 2025 Season in place.
I think the Force need to be laying a strong marker this renewal period in striking contracts out to 2027 (if not beyond) for key players, to encourage stability amongst a core group.
Longer contracts for mid level (ie not the "stars") should be able to offset extreme dollars for stability/certainty (particularly for those with young families) and foster greater "club" mentality.
While they are all professionals. it must be really hard to commit body and soul to a one year franchise placement rather than a 4-5 year home club.