The NSW Waratahs have prepared for the expected loss of Berrick Barnes by signing Queensland utility Jono Lance – the third back to leave the Reds after the Super Rugby season.
Lance’s defection, coming just after Wallabies and Reds winger Digby Ioane signed a mega-rich two-year deal in France, is expected to be announced by the Waratahs early next week.
The son of Canberra rugby league premiership back-rower Dean, Lance is understood to be looking for more opportunities to shine as a playmaker at five-eighth or inside centre.
The 22-year-old – hemmed in behind Quade Cooper, Ben Tapuai and Mike Harris at the Reds – appears a good fit for NSW with Barnes set to leave for Japan and current No.12 Rob Horne more of a direct ball-runner.
Lance has had little chance to show his ball-playing skills for Queensland, instead being used as a tackling fullback positioned in the front line to allow Cooper to counter-attack from the back in defence.
Lance started at No.15 in the Reds’ 2011 final triumph over the Crusaders and has also cemented his place there this year after a strong start to 2012 in the centres was ruined by a serious knee injury.
While Queensland have lost three outside backs in Lance, Ioane and winger-fullback Luke Morahan (Western Force), they remain well resourced with Wallabies winger Dom Shipperley, young gun Chris Feauai-Sautia, Rod Davies and Aidan Toua.
Harris and fellow utility Ben Lucas can also play fullback.
Queensland have continued to bolster their back-row stocks by signing Australian under-20 captain Curtis Browning to a two-year deal, a decision that signals the end of ageless Wallaby Radike Samo’s fairytale four-season stint at the Reds.
A blindside flanker or No.8, Browning made his Super Rugby debut off the bench in round six against the Bulls after developing his game at Ballymore beside starting back-rowers Liam Gill, Ed Quirk and Jake Schatz.
“Curtis has long been identified as a player of the future for the Reds and you can already see the improvements he has made this year,” said 2014 head coach Richard Graham.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
It would be great to bring Tomane back home to Qld. If there were any players to be poached I would prefer Godwin or a line-bending outside centre who can also pass. Hopefully the Faingaa's leave and we can bring some new talent through
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Agreed. That kid can play.
Sneaky Samurai
Guest
Genia and Cooper both came through the Queensland schools system, so I think they have some claim to being locally-produced.
kombiutedriver
Guest
We don't want Bieber or Beale at the Reds! They have both sold their souls for money or their so-called "brand" ......... oh please
Stanley Grella
Guest
Please please Qld fans stop complaining about Gill being involved in the under 20s it was an ARU directive for every under 20s player to be available for the comp for the last few years. It's a good thing for young players to get tournament experience. Gill didn't miss his chance, he represented the wallabies last year. The problem was that Hooper did outstanding. If you were arguing an unjust player was selected ahead of him you can't, hooper was Australia's best player last year. It's time to move on. At the end of last year based on performance Gill was the 3rd best 7 in Australia. Do the top 3 players in every position deserve top ups?
kombiutedriver
Guest
Jonah Placid ........ Must be signed up and locked in for a few years before he is poached by the Force or the Rebels or the Tahs.
formeropenside
Guest
I will not support Qld if they plan to poach "stars" from other provinces. Getting JOC to come home is one thing, but signing a captain-puncher is not on.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Lets be honest. If he was showing the same form as heis now at the Tahs, he'd be looking at a wallaby squad spot. That's how Australian Rugby works.
Red Block
Guest
One wonders if the Reds now having a substantial amount in their salary cap will chase a star 15. The Kurtley and Quade show anyone?
Jimmy jam
Guest
Hilarious stuff again, considering the reds have two kiwi 10's in their squad, plus a PNG halfback, a couple from Melbourne & Adelaide. Keep it up, it's just getting funnier!!
Deez
Guest
Am not sure we can quite go blaming Richard Graham just yet - even though I am no great fan of his work at the Force, I think the three major names that have announced moves thus far this season have all been opportunity related: Morahan to get a starting gig after failing to crack a starting berth at the Reds, Ioane moving to get more money and Lance to pursue a Wallaby jersey through a move into the centres. Admittedly, I am a big fan of Lance at fullback for the Reds and think he's the best we've got right now, but I can't see him getting a look in as the Wallabies 15 with Beale, O'Conner, Mogg and even Folau still in the mix. And I doubt he'll be a chance of dislodging either Cooper or Taps at the Reds. So best of luck at the Tahs - we'll miss you. At the Reds, while I like most of our current squad, we will inevitably lose players over the years for opportunities or salary cap reasons (or other reasons). But so long as we keep the "core" irreplaceable guys, we should be ok - in this category, I would include right now Horwill, Genia, Cooper and Gill (with Taps and Hansen probably the next two priorities for the next few years). Now if FOS is right above and we are about to lose Gill to France, then I'll be pissed... Alright Graham (i know you're reading) I've given you the benefit of the doubt so far, but hopefully with the money use saved you can now sign Gill to a long term contract. Your move!
mikeylives
Guest
Dreaming if you think Foley is not a quality playmaker.
Reginald Munday
Guest
They're voting with their feet re: Richard Graham.
Red Kev
Guest
I think the Richard Graham factor might be part of it
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
:) that was a nice one jiggles! How do you guys explain this sudden backs exodus? I have the impression that Reds management know what they are doing and don't think any of these guys are irreplaceable.
formeropenside
Guest
What is really disturbing is that Gill may be picked up by Stade Francois. Thats a huge loss, if it happens - and if it due to the ARU not giving him a top-up, I will be filthy. First he lost the chance to fill Pocock's shoes to the less well performing Hooper last year due to U20's, and now this?
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Jesus.this one really hurts. All the best to lance and all that, but that sucks. I guess he wants a wallaby jumper.
bigbaz
Guest
HaHa Red Kev.It is unfortunate for Lance, he showed real promise, but now,going into the tahs system he'll end up a very average footy player as is the tahs wont. ( probably get a Wallabies guernsey though,early next year as a reward )
Red Kev
Guest
No, I counted Foley, that's why I said "quality"
mpm
Guest
Their current 10 notwithstanding, of course.