The Queensland Reds are still on the hunt for an experienced five-eighth to replace Quade Cooper despite the re-signing of young pair Jake McIntyre and Sam Greene.
The 21-year-olds, who both debuted late in this year’s Super Rugby season, were two of six youngsters to sign on with the Super Rugby franchise on Wednesday.
But coach Richard Graham says there’s no suggestion the inexperienced duo will be given the task of filling the void left by Wallaby Cooper’s departure.
After McIntyre and Greene’s rise from the Reds academy to Super Rugby, Graham says both are deserving of new deals but the hunt for a more experienced No.10 will continue.
“We’re certainly looking at other options as a 10 at this stage,” Graham told AAP.
“It’s like anything in the squad, particularly when there’s a salary cap, you can employ so much experience but then you need to look at succession plans and a lot of that succession planning is young kids.
“The two guys have performed really well and we back both of those young kids moving into our program next year.”
The departure of former All Black Adam Thomson to Melbourne means the Reds have a vacant international marquee spot available for next year.
Veteran French five-eighth Frederic Michalak has been reported as a possibility for the Reds.
Michalak previously spent two separate stints at South African Super Rugby franchise the Sharks and has an Australian wife.
But Graham says the overseas option is just one of many that the Reds are contemplating.
“You’d be foolish to close off anything at this point in time,” he said.
“We’ve been in discussion with a number of players and for us, obviously, it’s being able to come to an agreement with the person that we think is the best fit for the organisation.
“Best fit can mean a number of things. The amount of time they can spend at the organisation. Where they are in their career. What they can offer the organisation. What level they’re at at the moment. It can mean all of those things.”
Craig P
Guest
If they HAVE to keep him in the organization in some capacity then punt him from coach and make him work the phones for membership drives. He can take the direct feedback from fans like me who LOVE the Reds but after many years as members are less than zero chance of signing up again with him involved in the organization in any way. I don't think he would hang around too long in that role. Would resign of his own will after about 2 calls.
Craig P
Guest
Should never have let Lucas go. Was a great player and would have been a massive boon for them this season just gone.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Won an Aviva Premiership and Pro12. Had the same win % as Cheika at Leinster. Has history his teams performing well.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Because they have Sam Cordingly whose job is to manage recruitment. It's not the sole domain of the head coach.
Bfc
Guest
Tui has re-signed...good news I guess as we saw little of his ability last season. The Reds should sign the Fiji 10...dynamic player that will enteratin the crowd and create opportunities for the likes of JOC, CFS, Kerevi...and allow Paia-Aua to develop into the position. RG has to go...if only to 'clear the air' so the Reds can begin the season with a clean slate. We truly sucked last season...fans will dropp off quickly if RG still has control of the squad.
Boomeranga
Guest
I thought 13 and 14 for those two and 15 for JOC.
Boomeranga
Guest
.
David
Guest
Well that made no difference this season in selections... No one could kick. I haven't seen him kick so have no idea. His general play in NRC last year was good, don't know how he went for Sunnybank this year. I just don't want them fishing some old has been out of the bin for a go. Ask yourself what would an NZ franchise do... And inevitably it would be develop local talent from ITM and give them a chance.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Love the way Michalak plays rugby, a true lair of a flyhalf. I for one think it would be great to see him playing in oz.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
A few injuries and Thorn will be playing... The bloke can't help himself. Bet he's still got it.
Bakkies
Guest
'Matt O’Conner – Noice! Lets hope so.' Shudder
El Gamba
Roar Guru
How can an organization seriously be recruiting with an underperforming dead duck as coach? Without quick decisive action the Reds are in for more pain....and I think that moment passed a long time ago.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Thorn is there as part of the young forwards development set up though - so his "coaching" will be minimal. I have no doubt he'll get his credentials and be decent, how good he'll be will depend on if he ends up enjoying coaching.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Gold
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
With quade getting cold feet Michalak has become Toulon's n1 and only experienced fky half so i doubt boudjellal would accept to get screwed by 2 tens in a week. He showed at the sharks that he had the rugby to play SR but that was a few years ago. Plus i dont think the reds have the money to afford him. Get a good coach first and keep your youngsters.
Don
Roar Rookie
Nope, his contract is up this season. He didn't get an extension in May. Connolly was signed in May for the rest of this year and next year in that consultant role. Not saying Graham won't be re-signed but his tenure is up this year. The rumour I'm hearing is that Connolly has been lobbying the "old boys" network to get the consultant role upgraded to head coach. For the QRU it means not paying a coach and a consultant so that may yet happen if our finances are dire.
Brisbane boys
Guest
The Rumour is that they will kick the process into touch for a month or so then say that RG is the best available candidate.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
A top quality provincial flyhalf is better than those currently available. Consider players like Stephen Brett who never played international rugby or even Stephen Donald who played very little international rugby. Players like that would be a step up from McIntyre and Greene.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
His fiance wants to be in Brisbane.
Comrade Bear
Roar Rookie
I'd missed that news - bewdy! I wonder why not Waratahs bound though - because they've picked up Dean Mumm and already have Skelton? Not complaining - great pickup.