- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
This is not about Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Digby Ioane or James Horwill. I am talking about David Pocock, Nemani Nadolo, Israel Folau and Scott Higginbotham.
With these eight on the roster along with the likes of James Hanson, Rory Arnold, the Reds would be indestructible. With some administrative nous they could add ‘reserve players’ such as Liam Gill, Jarrad Butler, Sean McMahon, and surprise packets such as Jono Lance.
There is no need for overseas marquees. What is happening today with Queensland is like exporting iron and steel then importing cars.
Today, members, fans and observers are obsessed with Queensland Rugby’s inability to select a suitable head coach. While this is the immediate issue at hand, the strategic challenge for Queensland Rugby Union is the lack of ability to retain its best players. This is something NSW suffers from less.
It was despite the attrition, that an exceptional coach in Ewen McKenzie was able to cobble together a world-class team. Thus, the Reds fortunes left with him.
Selection changed from astute choices designed to win games (eg Radike Samo) to “fan friendly” players. The most telling is Ayumu Goromaru, who currently holds one of the most critical positions in Reds rugby. Before this was the appointment of Super Rugby rookie Karmichael Hunt as vice captain.
Who’s ideas were these? These are bonehead marketing ideas, by marketing men, not footballing decisions.
This is not about money, this is about identity. The money will come if you get the identity right. Why do Queenslanders pour hard earned dollars in the past few years despite the shocking results? This is because we identify with our state.
What the administration needs to do now, is to regroup. With the fans, the administration must win the hearts of target players. Target the best Queensland players in the world and bring them back to the Reds. Get a decent coaching team who can set an understandable base game and a performance standard befitting the talent on hand.
When it comes to identity, Queenslanders are the perennial underdogs irrespective of success. We welcome anyone who wants to stay, fight and bleed for our state. We take nothing for granted and admire people who either step up, or get out of the way.
Unfortunately, there seems some in Queensland Rugby Union who are unwilling to get out of the way. In the process, those who deserve a chance, are lost.
It is time for this new vision and administrators good enough to realise it. Until then Queensland might end up being the professional retirement home for players like Stephen Moore and Brad Thorn.
Possible Reds XV
1. James Slipper
2. James Hanson
3. Greg Holmes
4. Rory Arnold
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Higginbotham
7. David Pocock
8. An import eg: Lopeti Timani
9. Nick Frisby. Maybe Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Nemani Nadolo
12. Samu Kerevi. Or Matt Toomua
13. Tevita Kuridrani. Or Special K
14. James O’Connor (or Joe Tomane)
15. Israel Folau
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.