2025 Squad - Speculation Thread

[Kernow]

So far observed retirement of Prior, Wells and Kaitu'u.
Was there any others?

Don't get the sense that Felete is retiring, just not signed for 25

[Burgs]

Don't get the sense that Felete is retiring, just not signed for 25

Admittedly that one was off a social media photo saying something like "a chance to say goodbye".
At 29-30 you would think he will play somewhere yes, just not here.

[Kernow]

Admittedly that one was off a social media photo saying something like "a chance to say goodbye".
At 29-30 you would think he will play somewhere yes, just not here.

I hope he pops up somewhere, when he's on-song he's a heck of a player.

I wonder how many others are departing at the end of the season, is Prinsep only injury cover?

[Burgs]

It would appear Prior is also still open to playing on somewhere, though views Perth as "home" at this point.
To me that reads like finishing Overseas while he is still fit and then returning to Perth for a Force role, but obviously a total speculation.

Wells is returning to Sydney in the Legal system, which if his media release is anything to go by, he will be well suited to...

[Kernow]

It would appear Prior is also still open to playing on somewhere, though views Perth as "home" at this point.
To me that reads like finishing Overseas while he is still fit and then returning to Perth for a Force role, but obviously a total speculation.

Wells is returning to Sydney in the Legal system, which if his media release is anything to go by, he will be well suited to...

As with KB a year of relatively light duty can result in massive healing of the body. When the kids got back in the pool after the COVID lockdowns there were heaps of them making PBs despite having been land training. I hope Ian keeps connected to the game, he brings the "cement" like quality that bings all the bricks around him together - one of the absolute club legends IMHO.

[shasta]

Without commenting on the wider 2025 speculation; it's nice to look at options but from my POV Harry Potter is the best one @ 15 from what we saw before he got hurt. He can play wing but he was really dynamic from the back. A definite keeper.

[Kernow]

Without commenting on the wider 2025 speculation; it's nice to look at options but from my POV Harry Potter is the best one @ 15 from what we saw before he got hurt. He can play wing but he was really dynamic from the back. A definite keeper.

Potter was having a great season until he was crueller by injury, real competitor for the ball and strong runner. Looked more at home in FB, I think he'd benefit from training around KB though (as I think many of them would) as it appears he's been a really positive influence in the training environment.

[Burgs]

Admittedly that one was off a social media photo saying something like "a chance to say goodbye".
At 29-30 you would think he will play somewhere yes, just not here.

Can confirm this is the situation.

[palitu]

The presser about wells leaving was really well put. He seems like a really insightful man, who knows who he is. I really found it interesting his quote that a lot of rugby fans would see him as an unremarkable player. This is one of those things that we tend to gloss over, that there is a huge psychological piece to a professional players skill set. They need to know that they can go out and get it done, despite the press and criticism on the webs.

He seemed to put a lot in for us, and for that i am grateful!

[Garry Owen]

I hope he pops up somewhere, when he's on-song he's a heck of a player.

I wonder how many others are departing at the end of the season, is Prinsep only injury cover?

An article I saw from Christy Doran made it sound certain Prinsep was leaving but we were a chance of getting Leota which would be huge

Need to hopefully keep Rodda

[Burgs]

Given the developments in Melbourne and the pressure on Squad numbers, you would have to give serious consideration to the future of the following players.
All great potential, but suffering from injury or omission to not break through-

Papillon Sevelle 24 next season (Re-signed for 2024 at start of the year despite known ACL)
Cambell Parata 25 next season (played NPC for Tasman Makos, but believe injured again)
Nikolai Foliaki 27 next season, 1 Force match 2023, already Capped for Tonga.

[Kernow]

I have heard rumours that Rugby AU have put a much tighter limit on the number of foreign players each team can have next year so that the contracted Rebels can be absorbed - can anyone confirm this?

[Burgs]

I have heard rumours that Rugby AU have put a much tighter limit on the number of foreign players each team can have next year so that the contracted Rebels can be absorbed - can anyone confirm this?

I've only seen that on here, but it would make sense and a major factor against Foliaki.
I don't think we are particularly exposed by that if you look through the list.
Yes, 2024 we got exposed in the Front Row particularly, but I think that will be remedied in 2025.
Guy Porter is the only 2025 signed player I think it impacts and, as I understand it, he is Wallaby eligible anyway.

[Kernow]

I've only seen that on here, but it would make sense and a major factor against Foliaki.
I don't think we are particularly exposed by that if you look through the list.

I presume it would be a restriction on new signings but that puts the following in a potentially tricky spot:

Santiago Medrano
Atu Moli
Ben Funnel (assume Force are covered at #2)
Tom Franklin
Papillon Sevelle (Possibly Tongan – or at least eligible)
Cambell Parata (Hails from NZ I think – hopefully Wallaby eligible)
Nikolai Foliaki (Possibly Tongan – or at least eligible)
Chase Tiatia

[James]

I'd love to pick up Lancaster. We lack a speed merchant.