Tongan Thor extends contract with Queensland Reds

you sound like a reds supporter Im sorry to hear that you are so bitter

Not found wanting just stating facts

Wanting a job on the west island.

Just like you , eh bro, found wanting after every nasty anti-Australian comment. Wanting a life, wanting some friends, wanting some empathy and compassion, wanting to belong...

Wasn't having a go at your comment AB Fan. I was referring to peter & Paul & their hope he gets 'blitzed'. That kind of attitude gets on my nerves.

I'm guessing he won't amount to much but good luck to him. And when was the last time a prop made the news, Rodzilla?

Glass full glass half empty , He may surprise everyone and blaze a trail through super rugby but I have my doubts hes pretty green.

He was also Tongan. The comments made by Tupou in 2014 when news of his initial signing with the Reds ruffled a few feathers. No doubt his comments were taken out of context but the imputation was that NZ rugby did nothing for Tongan players. The kid is young; he has a long way to go and I wish him the best. He has to ignore the hype-building (the Aussie media are appallingly good at that) and work hard; very much a development project for possibly the 2023 RWC.

'Refer Jonah Lomu' for what? He was born in Auckland.

Shane D. 1. Lomu wasn't a frontrower in 1994. He had moved from No 8 to wing. Frontrowers tend to hit their physical peak when around 28-29. An 18-year-old prop is going to struggle regardless of his weight (to do with bone density but I am no doctor). As a prop, it's not just about the experience. It's about being able to deal with the physical demands of the position. Í admit I never played the game but it seems to me that the frontrow is one area where literally you have to sort out the men from the boys! BTW: You name me one prop worldwide who shone at age 18-19 in international rugby. I am hoping that injury won't rule him out of the game!! 2.I also think Tupou lost some friends in NZ when he complained about the treatment of Tongan players in NZ rugby (ie himself) after his attempt to play for the NZ Schools side was turned down because he was NOT a NZ citizen. Refer Jonah Lomu, Charles Piutau or Malakai Fekitau). I seem to also recall an interview, when his internet fame broke, in which he said he would be moving to Australia and join his family after school so that no doubt counted against him! But hey! I don't know everything. I readily admit that!

Or good Aussie media coverage for rugby. They are competing for supporters in Queensland with the Cowboys, Broncos, Lions & the Roar. It's a different market with rugby not being the dominant code & having to push hard to get backing.

what a snide comment. I hope he gains some experience playing against hardened front rowers. That's what an actual rugby fan wants for any young player making his way up the ranks. Remember Lomu's efforts in 1994. With the attitude you have that would have been the last we saw of him.

@ atlas : but then Hayman was arguably the best the world had seen in professional era and was the pathmaker for tall big props. he was a huge man and even at late 30s for Toulon , was as dangerous as he was in his prime at 25 !!! maybe he was the Dan Carter of front rowers :)

Carl Hayman. Playing NPC rugby for Otago at 18, Super rugby for Highlanders at 19.All Blacks at 21. Not so rare for U-20 props in NPC ITM Cup rugby. Woodcock a late starter, at 19 for Auckland

You've nailed it - Holmes going means there will be an opportunity for him. This also means he will clock up his 4 year residency, so it is a good result all round for Australian rugby: he can't be on an expensive contract.

he will be measured, weighed and found wanting....typical Aussie rugby hype

Saw the big write up on him in courier mail , looks to me to be a desperate attempt by the reds to sell more season tickets. I fear hes going to be thrust into super rugby too early and get found out. Time will tell but super rugby aint Brisbane club rugby far from it.

Tt

hear hear - and I hope he gets blitzed in his first game....but then Aussies are desperate for players....

A rugby league prop .. can run, can pass, can't scrummage. Too young in his position; this kid will be a handicap for the Reds for the first few years.