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With only pride-salvaging games remaining for the Reds in 2014, I now look towards season 2015’s playing roster.
There seems to be some stability in the forward pack, with the only loss being versatile front rower Albert Anae.
A bias towards the front row of James Slipper, James Hanson and Greg Holmes seems to have put Ben Daly down the pecking order with Saia Fainga’a.
I would like to see more of Jono Owen, he tried hard whenever he was given an opportunity this season. Rob Simmons and James Horwill will hope to finish off the season with further Wallabies caps, with Dave McDulling and Ed O’Donoghue providing some starch off the bench.
Ed Quirk will return after a promising start to 2014, alongside the consistent Jake Schatz and the dynamic Liam Gill. Gill is in the horrible position of being behind some amazing Wallaby No. 7s in Michael Hooper, David Pocock (when fit) and the inspiring Matt Hodgson. With back-up from Beau Robinson, as a good impact, and young improver Curtis Browning, if this backrow can stick together across coming seasons they can be the best unit in Australia.
Without injury, this forward pack can be extremely competitive at Super level.
The biggest concern for me as a Reds supporter is the exodus of players from the backline.
Obviously there is the strong rumour of James O’Connor’s signing, but this only plugs one hole and Mike Harris, Aiden Toua, Dom Shipperley and Rod Davies are all on the way out.
My hope is that these players have gone elsewhere to make room for the mercurial Karmichael Hunt. I have had the pleasure of watching Hunt play rugby union at schoolboy level and his solid grounding in the game will make him a valuable asset.
2014 will be looked back on as a tough year, but this tough year will make the halves partnership of Will Genia and Quade Cooper stronger. If the under-performing tight five and inconsistent backrow can provide a better platform next year, the Reds backline has the potential to fire once more. With the versatile Ben Lucas performing admirably since Quade’s season ending injury, keeping Lucas in a Reds jersey is imperative.
Anthony Fainga’a has had a disjointed season but defensively he is a key to the Reds success for next year. Ben Tapuai at 13 is also looking to have a strong season after this year’s disappointments. With back-up from Chris Feauai-Sautia and Sam Kerevi, Richard Graham has some sizeable options in the centre position.
If I am allowed poetic licence and select both O’Connor and Hunt, our back three becomes formidable: the underrated Lachy Turner, Karmichael Hunt at 15, with James O’Connor on the right wing. These three would be an awesome combination, complement the rest of backline nicely, and has an able fall-back in Jamie-Jerry Taulagi for wing and fullback.
There are a number of Brisbane premier players who can push to fill some of the squad gaps over the remainder of the season.
A fit roster, two big signings, and a season that has hurt deeply will make the Reds hungry for success in 2015, eager to repay their fans and each other.
Go Reds!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.