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!
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
If these signings eventuate, I would say there won't be much cash to throw around. There may be a left field recruitment of a Beau Robinson nature - I agree it would be nice to have a Higgers or Radike type, however if you look at a number of stats, carries, metres, tackles per game Schatz and Quirk are on a par with most Aussie back rowers - if they can stay fit it will strengthen the back row unit. Gill for mind is not that far behind Hooper in all facets (if not equal) except for ball running. In the same breath though I can confidently say his line out skills far exceed Hoopers (his freakish line out steal to win the 2nd Lions test!!) . Bring on 2015!
Will W QOS
Roar Pro
Shame Owen is leaving - I thought he was a good combo for the starting 3.
redbull
Guest
hmm, yes poor choice. Maybe I should have said "get membership moving toward 40k"
Drew Sampson
Roar Rookie
Im actually pretty excited about Samu Kerevi. 20 Year old and 104kg, and might get a bit bigger for next year. Might be able to fill the power/grunt role played by digby and get us over the advantage line. Hope he gets a heap of time in the NRC this year so he's ready to start for the reds next year. I think Quade plays best with a second play maker at 12 ( think Toomua and before that Giteau in 2010, and even Ben Tapuai), and a bigger outside centre to receive his flat passes and get over the adv line everytime.
Yogi
Guest
Genia was the best on field against Highlanders Sampro. The forwards are playing a lot better now then they were prior to quade's injury as well. So I don't agree with you at all.
soapit
Guest
i agree more likely (as i said looking at the others in the squad). id love to see hunt defend in the 12 channel.
SamPro
Guest
That's exactly what's happening. Also, Ed Quirk is as yet unsigned, so no one can bank on that yet. Is it surprising to anyone that both the Wallabies and the Reds are doing better without Genia/QC? No? Didn't think so...
Buzzard
Guest
Get rid of Richard Graham first!
Brian USA
Guest
Havent seen much of Hunt apart from his various highlight tapes on the internet. Based solely on those, he looks like he has a very similar game to Folau, aside from the dominance under the high ball. Could suit 15 very well. However, I could see him as a 12 as well. Will be interesting to see if a.) the Reds can sign him and b.) if they do sign him, where he will play. But I agree that JOC should be at full back if Hunt is in the Centers. If Hunt plays 15 though, it would be interesting to see JOC moved back to 12. With Taps at 13 and CFS on the wing, there would be some fire power to match the Tah's!
Brian USA
Guest
Pending Hunt signs, I think it would be more likely to see JOC on the wing and Hunt at 15 with a 12-13 of Taps and CFS. I think only one would move into the mid field, and the other center spot would be up for grabs: 9. Genia 10. Cooper 11. Turner 12. Hunt/JOC 13. Taps 14. CFS 15. JOC/Hunt or 9. Genia 10. Cooper 11. Taulagi 12. JOC/Hunt 13. CFS 14. Turner 15 Hunt/JOC If CFS can stay healthy, I think his future is at 13. Problem is he is unlikely to stay healthy....
George
Guest
We will see!!!
soapit
Guest
except nobody want to go to canberra. is there any position the raiders arent desperate for?
George
Guest
The Raiders are desperate for a full back and with the NRL topping up contracts of quality code swappers, the scenario fits.
soapit
Guest
really hope they both go to the reds and one or both of them gets time in the midfield. we need some real talent to knuckle down and give 13 a good shot. cant see it happening with the others in the squad but would love to see 9 gen 10 coop 12 hunt 13 oconnor
soapit
Guest
ha yeah i wouldnt have thought any qld would be willing to say the word turnstile after what the reds have done his year
Yogi
Guest
George i think you are taking the mickey. No evidence online of your claim. Source?
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Didn't Hunt have some junior rugby?
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Yep, you nailed it. Who'd thought we would miss Radike so much.
DrewSampson
Guest
9. Genia 10. Quade 12. JoC 13. Samu Kerevi wings: Turner and CF Sautia 15. Hunt. Look at hunts league highlights. He has the same ability that izzy has to just turn up at the right time and get that last pass. Reads the game well. If we dot get hunt. JoC to FB an tapuai to inside.
George
Guest
Hunt to the Raiders, sorry Reds!