Rebels pass on Pocock

[AndyS]

Interesting note on his ARU profile:

"Did you know? : Matt Hodgson began playing rugby on the central coast of New South Wales as an inside centre or flyhalf and only moved into the back row at the age of 17."

[farva]

Brown would be my biggest concern to leave for the Rebels. For no other reason than he doesnt really have much holding him here. But these three backrowers were built at the Force and made their careers here, so I think that they may show some loyalty back to the team. And if we can keep these three together I think McCalman will stick around too as he can learn a lot from 3 Wallabies.

[shasta]

If Bam stays and the current tackled ball interpretation goes the distance, Browny & Hodgo would be best placed to stay with him; if they want to cement their Wallaby call-ups into a fixture. Versatility and accuracy will be at a premium.

[Sheikh]

I hope Brownie doesn't go either, but the performance of Wykes last week had me forgetting that he was missing. I reckon Wykes is really stepping up this season - definately in the running for an Aus A spot (I'm too pessimistic to entertain a full Wallaby call-up!)

[travelling_gerry]

Powerful Wallabies Number 8 Richard Brown will be calling Perth home for at least the next two years after signing off on a new contract to stay with the Emirates Western Force until the end of the 2011 season.

[mudskipper]

Wykes could be a target... Players will be approached for the 2012 season also...

[sandgroperrugby]

I hope Brownie doesn't go either, but the performance of Wykes last week had me forgetting that he was missing. I reckon Wykes is really stepping up this season - definately in the running for an Aus A spot (I'm too pessimistic to entertain a full Wallaby call-up!)

Respectfully disagree at least about the bit of missing Brown, IMHO they do miss Browns hard hitting tackling in a big way and his ability to hit it up the middle whilst trying to get on the outside of defenders to free up the backline. Nothing stops a Kiwi team quicker than being driven back in a ball and all tackle from a fast hard hitting loose forward.

Wykes has been playing well but is not a Number 8 IMHO. He would make a decent 6 but is best as a mobile lock that can play both in the tight and loose. He doesn’t have that aggression in defence or attack that seems to me to be thing that sets most good 8’s apart from their peers.

I do agree with you on the call up to the Australia “A” team I just think he will be in the mix as a lock first and a 6 second not as an 8.

[travelling_gerry]

Feb 09 Newletter - The Emirates Western Force has received a boost on the player contracting front with Australian Under 20’s lock/flanker Sam Wykes re-signing with the club for a further two years today.

[sandgroperrugby]

Gee gerry you are quickly shutting down the rumour mill here!

Maybe we should ask which players are out of contact at the end of the season? Or which ones have escape clauses?

[mudskipper]

Wykes is of contract for 2012... Like Browny... It will be tough for the Rebels to get players for 2011... unless they have out clauses in contracts...

[zimeric]

Wykes is good he plays with heart but he has soft hands! seems to kock-on in the tackle too much for my liking.

[GIGS20]

Wykes is of contract for 2012... Like Browny... It will be tough for the Rebels to get players for 2011... unless they have out clauses in contracts...

Giteau Elsom and Mitchell are available for 2011 aren't they?

[mudskipper]

Giteau 2012, Elsom has options on staying for 2011 and Mitchell I don't know... Valentine 2012, not sure about the rest but not many are offered 3 year terms anymore perhaps AAC.

[James]

Gee gerry you are quickly shutting down the rumour mill here!

Maybe we should ask which players are out of contact at the end of the season? Or which ones have escape clauses?

I have a list. There are one or two names (annoted with a star) that I have no information about- if you know please tell me.

Off contract in 2010:

David Pocock
Cameron Shepherd
Chris O'Young
Sam Harris
Stefano Hunt
Luke Jones
Mark Swanepoel
Ryan Tyrrell*
Kieran Longbottom*
Dane Haylett-Petty*

10 players off contract. I reckon we'll keep 8 of them at least (provided off course the Force wishes to offer them a new contract).

Everyone else is off contract in 2011 (I think that Crossy and Tim Fairbrother are signed until 2012 though).