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.

[Tazzmania]

Christie Doran appears to somehow be a source for leaked RA leak information, so todays article on The Roar about the predicated Wallaby squad contains a paragraph that is not encouraging:

"...while Rodda didn’t do enough to earn a national top-up. Plus, Rodda is expected to sign overseas...."

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[Kernow]

Christie Doran appears to somehow be a source for leaked RA leak information, so todays article on The Roar about the predicated Wallaby squad contains a paragraph that is not encouraging:

"...while Rodda didn’t do enough to earn a national top-up. Plus, Rodda is expected to sign overseas...."

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I really hope he's wrong on Rodda, he made an immediate impact on his return and adds some serious muscle to any pack he is in. His lineout work has also been strong, with some good steals. I also hope he's wrong on Rodda signing overseas - that's a big move with a new addition to the family on the way. In my "ignorance is bliss" world if Schmitt is holding his cards close to his chest Doran knows squat.

If he's right - Force are going to have to start announcing the additional departures and hopefully some new signings ahead of the Oct games which also have radio silence from Force HQ. Have comms team taken a break perhaps?

[shasta]

Yes, sometimes Doran has been a conduit for RA leaks. I'd be surprised if that includes leaks from Schmidt re squad selections so early in his stint. You have to remember the article is on click bait central. He's the best lock in the country IMO. Having said that, should he @27 not be in the conversation then overseas money would be attractive.

[Kernow]

Yes, sometimes Doran has been a conduit for RA leaks. I'd be surprised if that includes leaks from Schmidt re squad selections so early in his stint. You have to remember the article is on click bait central. He's the best lock in the country IMO. Having said that, should he @27 not be in the conversation then overseas money would be attractive.

I've been impressed with how close Schmidt has kept those cards so far.

Totally agree with Rodda being best lock in the country - all the more reason to keep him in Au and the Force. Rodda and Swain as a lock combo would be fierce and if the Force are going to take it to the likes of the Chiefs, Blues and Hurricanes next season we need a huge pack.

[James]

That article lost all credibility with me the moment Miles Amatosero was listed. That guy is average at best.

[Tazzmania]

Miles Amatosero

Looks like Doran is not the only one with him on his list, Planet Rugby also seem to have a liking for him.

Planet Rugby Five Players who could be suprise inclusions

Was this a "deal" to get him to come back home. I hope not !!!!!!

[Burgs]

That article lost all credibility with me the moment Miles Amatosero was listed. That guy is average at best.

I reckon he has it in him to be a Wallaby, but you couldn't/shouldn't pick him on this seasons efforts.
If a given Tight Forward isn't consistently a 1st XV pick, even in this age of "finishers", how can they be seriously considered as a Test 23 player?
I put the caveat there of Tight Forward as there are circumstances like IFL, where he has enhanced value as a multi position Sub.

[Garry Owen]

I reckon he has it in him to be a Wallaby, but you couldn't/shouldn't pick him on this seasons efforts.
If a given Tight Forward isn't consistently a 1st XV pick, even in this age of "finishers", how can they be seriously considered as a Test 23 player?
I put the caveat there of Tight Forward as there are circumstances like IFL, where he has enhanced value as a multi position Sub.

Same old crap, they are putting forward tahs players who have played 1 good game. Tristan Reilly???? Seriously. I know our wing stocks are short but surely you would pick Kuenzle over him who has had a great year, can cover all positions from 10-15 and kick goals. Seems like perfect bench utility or squad member to me.