Reds backline? Kalyn Ponga is the answer

As Jim Carmichael follows Richard Graham into the sunset, Reds fans could be guilty of feeling little hope for the 2017 season.

With the Fainga’a-Moore hooker swap confirmed earlier this week, the Reds playing list is forming around what has been one of the best scrummaging sides in the competition.

However the loss of Greg Holmes and Liam Gill leaves two positional holes, as well as shaving away the already limited experience of the young Reds side.

Looking at the side across the park the park there are some glaring deficiencies elsewhere that need to be rectified before the Reds can begin the slow grind back to a Super Rugby contender rather than being also rans.

Front row stocks need to be bolstered, albeit slightly. Ready looks like a Wallaby in waiting and will complement the welcome return of Stephen Moore to the Reds jersey. James Slipper will have front row partners. Size does not seem to be an issue, but as the immovable object, Greg Holmes has shown, scrummaging is a skill worth its weight in gold. Whoever takes the starting No. 3 jersey has big boots to fill.

Kane Douglas returning from injury will add some starch and experience to Reds second row. Along with 100-gamer Rob Simmons and ably backed up by Cadern Neville and Ben Matwijow, the tight five will be strengthened in this facet.

Whether he should be ahead of others in the Wallaby backrow pecking order, one thing for certain is Liam Gill is a massive loss to the Queensland Reds.

His on-ball ability and backrow play has been a shining light in a dull season at Suncorp Stadium. 21-year-old Michael Gunn is touted as his replacement and should take the openside jumper next to Hendrik Tui at blindside with new signing Caleb Timu at No 8.

If Timu lives up to expectations that have a number of people at Ballymore excited at his eventual return to the rugby field. In the absence of the injured Jake Schatz, Curtis Browning has grown in confidence and will be a handy bench backrower in coming seasons.

If Schatz is not resigned, the backrow cupboard looks very bare without further signings. Rumours of Scott Higginbotham being courted by the Reds would certainly bring experience to the side, but possibly see the forward pack a bit number 8 heavy rather than looking at the open side deficiency.

There is no doubt that Nick Frisby has blossomed post Will Genia. Unfortunately though, with Jake McIntyre providing frustratingly inconsistent performances so far this year, flyhalf is the obvious place where an experienced player could be signed.

It is easy to be over critical of McIntyre’s play but the reality is he has been thrown in at the deep end and needs time to develop and mature as a Super Rugby player.

This will be done with time and as back up for whoever the Reds have planned. With the strong likelihood of Japanese star Goromaru has signed with Toulon, it opens the door to a marquee overseas signing.

Talk of Quade Cooper, who could possibly be released out of Toulon, is not concrete and the Reds must look at a number of candidates.

Another potential flyhalf ‘prodigal son’ Berrick Barnes would give some poise to the current backline and is worth luring back from Japan. Brock James is another Aussie overseas who could add value.

If the Reds forward pack can build on the set piece strengths shown this year, the possession provided to the back has to be capitalised on. A mature, experienced backline leader would be a massive step towards unlocking the backline potential. The hope would be that McIntyre and Duncan Paia’aua would benefit from this players contributions.

The Brumbies signing of Saia Fainga’a for 2017 hints at the likely return of twin Anthony as well. Ant, like his brother a faithful servant of the Reds since 2009, has been providing limited attacking opportunities to his outside backs.

Karmichael Hunt has been pencilled for the 12 since being signed to the Reds. He could fulfil the second playmaker role with ease and provides a sound kicking option. Both his defence and distribution skills are assets that should be utilised. With Samu Kerevi going from strength, a formidable centre pairing is within the Red’s coaches grasp. Campbell Magnay, Henry Taefu will deputise the pairing.

Long striding Eto Nabuli’s chemistry with fellow Fijian Kerevi has been another highlight so far and building on this has to be a key goal for next season. With the injury prone Chris Feauai-Sautia showing both brilliance and lapses of composure, Chris Kuridrani will pressure his spot on the wing.

If the Reds were to follow the Hunt to inside centre path, it leaves the fullback spot empty. Enter my smoky – Kalyn Ponga. With rugby pedigree akin to Hunt, Pocock and Cooper at Brisbane’s ‘Churchie’, the Cowboys under-20s star is considered by among others as the next Johnathan Thurston, a star in the making. Exceptional speed, acceleration and raw natural ability, Ponga has recently rejected a contract extension from the Cowboys, going on the open market.

Could this young man be the elusive piece to the puzzle that could reignite the Reds backline, returning it to the 2011 glory days.

What other players can the Reds bring to the 2017 table? Whether it be from rugby league, overseas or from another Australian side, the Reds must shop wisely so the steady flow of supporters out the Suncorp turnstiles does not become a tidal wave.

Who is the next big signing?