The Greater Sydney Rams have announced their squad for the 2014 season of the National Rugby Championship (NRC).
It is a strong looking team, containing former Wallabies and current Waratahs Benn Robinson, Taqele Naiyaravaro and Ben Volavola, as well as Western Force player Chris Alcock.
This is backed up by a strong contingent of seasoned Shute Shield players, such as Hugh Perrett, Mark Swanepoel, Ben Batger and Rhys Brodie.
Their allocated Wallabies isn’t likely to benefit them too much over the course of the season, with the possible exception of Rob Horne being released if he isn’t selected Australia’s match-day 23.
The Rams kick off their NRC campaign against New South Wales Country on Saturday 23rd August.
Greater Sydney Rams squad for 2014 NRC:
Forwards:
Benn Robinson, Jed Gillespie, Hugh Roach, Guy Miller, Jared Barry, Hugh Perrett, Chris Alcock, Dylan Sigg, Andrew Clyne, Maile Ngauamo, Dave Lolohea, Pat Sio, Peni Ravai, Marcus Carbone, Sakaria Noa, Senio Toleafoa, Michael Kovacic, Rhys BrodieBacks
Jerome McKenzie, Apolosi Latunipulu, Mark Swanepoel, Vasa Falealli, Ben Volavola, Michael McDougall, Mark Swanepoel, Vasa Falealii, Taqele Naiyaravaro, Ben Batger, Jai Ayoub, Dane Chisolm, Henry Taufua, Henry Seavula, Tom HillAllocated Wallabies
Rob Horne, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polata Nau, Kurtley Beale, Tevita Kuridrani
Sam
Guest
Rebels signed him.
Rebel
Guest
Jez, they are under player profiles, however not listed in the squad on another page.
atlas
Guest
all down to local budgets; last year Taranaki cut to 25 with a total salary budget $925,000; this year they're up to 29 with same budget allowance (but 28 when B Barret excluded). All Blacks have to be 'named' as they must be attached to a provincial union however their salary is paid by NZRU (new in 2014) previously NZRU paid (?) $25,000 for each non-playing AB in a provincial squad, union had to pick up the rest (up to another 15k), quite a drain for some teams with no value in that system.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Boomer did a youtube search, Gillespie has a decent little highlights package on there. As a loosehead he'll be in there with Robinson fighting for game time while Millar and Lolohea compete for the TH spot when Alexander is away. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wmL4sMO5YpM
SamSport
Guest
That includes a bunch of All Blacks that won't be playing for the team.
Charcoal
Guest
Perrett can play in any back row position. Has regularly played 6 and is currently playing 7. He even played in the centres a few of years ago when the Woodies were short because of injuries. His leadership qualities are invaluable, as they have been for the Woodies.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Finals will be interesting The Rugby Championship finishes October 5th so Wallabies will be back for each squad for rounds 8,9 and the finals. Having gone for an extra Wallaby could pay off for the Rams if they are still in the hunt. 1. Robinson 2. Polota-Nau 3. Alexander 4. Holloway 5. Sigg 6. Perett 7. Alcock 8. Sio 9. Swanepoel 10. Beale 11. Naiyaravoro 12. Horne 13. Kuridrani 14. Foketi 15. Volavola Looks a pretty handy outfit. Plenty of ways to slice that backline as well.
Mattjoe
Guest
agreed --I would watch all of these games if they were available to air
Jagman
Guest
Got the feeling Gibbon, Asquith and Pakalani are gonna return to Sevens squad. Pakalani couldn't go to the games because he didn't have his passport sorted or something like that.
jameswm
Guest
With Vola inside and Naiyaravoro outside. Bigger ouch there!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yes, good spot. A Horne/Foketi pairing could be excellent.
jeznez
Roar Guru
We must be looking at different pages on the site, using the link I added above I don't see Asquith either.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Mr Swanepoel has been named twice , does he have a double ???? ;-)
Selector
Guest
Based on the squads I have seen to date, all I can say is I am gutted that I won't get to watch every match!
Midfielder
Guest
The web site look easy to work with and informative ... Go Rams ... this is the team I have chosen to follow...
Jagman
Guest
Jez I think Lalakai Foketi will grab the 13 jersey. His name is listed on the website. He's supposedly contracted to the Tahs next year which is why he isn't playing for Melbourne. Also I think Senio will get a good run as they seem to be short on real locks. This is why I think they will struggle.
Markus
Guest
A shame Pakalani hasn't managed to make it into a team. Has his recent Shute Shield form been on par with previous seasons? He was absolutely on fire in 2012.
Rebel
Guest
Right below Asquith
Boomeranga
Guest
Horne and TK could be something to see come finals time. Ouch.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Never, those Leichhardt latte lovers won't know what has hit them when they get Rammed!