Force look to shore up squad for the future

[GIGS20]

I never hugely rested Ben Lucas, but then we never saw the best of Mozza at Qld either.

I think he'd be good utility cover, but given a fit backline he would struggle to gain a place.

[shasta]

I remember Rex calling me delusional at the beginning of the season cause I said we had a back line with real potential. So much for that.

DH-P is, perhaps right up there with Kyle. He's a big unit with the ability to bust tackles plus good footwork. CTM is starting to show what he's capable of too. 9 is well covered. Then there's 10. Sias and Zac are competant. But I'm not sure either is the general to unlock the outside strike power I think we have. Is it Burton or Kyle. I think so.

Our lock and prop stocks are the obvious area the recruitment efforts need to target.

[WF1964]

Anyone know what's up with Manu, Battye and Stubbs? They seem to have dropped so far down the pecking order that we're giving WTG players games ahead of full-time pros.

Sadly, I think you'd have to add Rory Walton to that list too.
I think quite a few people on here had high hopes for Rory.

[Sheikh]

Sadly, I think you'd have to add Rory Walton to that list too.
I think quite a few people on here had high hopes for Rory.

Rory's in the WTG, though, not a full pro. Last year he stood out in a losing team, but more for his attitude than his actual play. The team's improved a lot this year, and sadly Rory doesn't seemed to have improved with it, so the WTG is about where he should be. I think he's a bit like Wykes - maybe a touch short for lock and a touch slow for 6, so you have to make up for this through attitude and ability. Wykes has his detractors (not me, I love him!) but he's always given his all (especially if lining up alongside Sharpie!) Rory has to learn to control the desire for the benefit of the team, and Wykes might be the guy he should look up to.

[Nipper]

I pray they don't spend a dime on Davies. Soft.

[Kept One]

I hope Foles re-signs all the players he has targeted to keep before looking to recruit elsewhere. By doing this he will be saying you guys are the core and we want to keep you, and this fits in with the current culture. Once this is done then he can look to fill any holes that remain in the roster.

[Alison]

Good point KeptOne - loyalty does work both ways (or should do).

[palitu]

I pray they don't spend a dime on Davies. Soft.

I still have fond memories when shetland goaded him into punching him in the face... Davies was carded.... hehehe

[Nic]

Quirk maybe a good pickup for 6 depending on cost, think schatz at 8 has been the reds problem in the backrow, but stander is really cottrell's backup in 6.

would want a specialist 8 signed as we have coverage in 6 & 7, in the mould of Jacques Englebrect or Willem Alberts.

Would have to think battye would be gone as well, so that opens up 2 lock spots. Think i said in another thread de Jager and Botha at the stormers would be good buys for the future.

seems like everyone at the reds is exploring other options - "the graham effect".

I agree. The Force have proven that they are a close-knit team and that's made the prospect of coming to play for the Force rather desirable.
There are some very good up and coming super rugby fringe players in SA.
Personally, I like the fact that we're slowing cutting our ties to the East Coast.
Would rather have imports from SA who play with integrity and more loyalty than many from NSW and QLD!
It will be interesting to see who will be on the books for next year as fresh Force recruits.

[boof1050]

Guys any thoughts on DHP maybe having a go at 10. He set the good try against the saders. just a thought from left field.

[MI5_Dog]

Guys any thoughts on DHP maybe having a go at 10. He set the good try against the saders. just a thought from left field.

He'd have to stand in line behind holmes, godwin and burton

[GIGS20]

Guys any thoughts on DHP maybe having a go at 10. He set the good try against the saders. just a thought from left field.

I think Dane needs a bit of space to shine. Don't cramp the boy up, he's doing fine just where he is. Maybe he could be our AAC-style utility outside back, I've seen him play both wings and 15, he's big enough to be a good 13 and we have other options for 10 and 12. I wouldn't mind seeing 10: Holmes 12: Godwin 13: Haylett-Petty 14: Burton for a WA based backline....I know there's a little bit of out of position going on there, but it proves a point that we ARE producing the talent out here.

Zack needs to step up to the plate and be our long-term WA born 10!

[jono]

I agree. The Force have proven that they are a close-knit team and that's made the prospect of coming to play for the Force rather desirable.
There are some very good up and coming super rugby fringe players in SA.
Personally, I like the fact that we're slowing cutting our ties to the East Coast.
Would rather have imports from SA who play with integrity and more loyalty than many from NSW and QLD!
It will be interesting to see who will be on the books for next year as fresh Force recruits.

change ZA for argentina and you're on the money!

[Nic]

SA's playing pool is much larger though. We are dealing with players that have played super rugby before, or have atleast had plenty of exposure to the tournament.
Logistics is much easier than Argentina and the Afrikaner guys still have a better understanding of English than the Argies.
Things may change in a few years time, but I think our ties with SA through coaches/scouts should be utilized to its potential.
I like your thinking though!

[MI5_Dog]

bugger the south africans
WA products first and foremost
then other australian NRC players
then overseas