Super 14

[IloveGilly]

There never going to win if they try and target 1 key player...

It is always a risk going to a club like that.

 

[aussie1st]

I don't even know why Giteau would want to go there. The Waratahs are much more better than the Force. It's obviously the side money and lifestyle. The Waratahs won't have the money for Giteau as they are chasing Gasiner and the Brumbies lifestyle and no side offer is the problem for them.

 

[James219]

That's what I was thinking! What does he see in the Force anyway? He'll probably develop a losing culture there, and he could possibly even switch to the Reds if he desired the change, couldn't he? They'd still be feeling the absence of Flatley, and Giteau is a pretty versatile player who could fill a variety of roles. (By the way, I'd prefer the QLD lifestyle as opposed to the Western Australian one )

 

[aussie1st]

Found what I was looking for. The Brumbies and Reds aren't happy because of the open marketplace which advantages the bigger corporate centres of Sydney and Perth with players being tempted by additional third-party offers.

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,18865978-23217,00.html

The Reds don't really need Giteau, they should look at retaining Johannson and Mitchell. Barnes is their future 10 as long as he stays there. Barnes is even being considered for the Wallabies number 10 jersey. Hes a rare talent so hopefully we keep him in this code.

 

[James219]

Well he'll take the number 10 jersey sooner than we think if Larkham continues with his poor run of fitness....Not really, but it is amazing how unlucky he's been in recent years.
Anyway, I'm sure Barnes won't switch codes, it's relatively rare that a Union player will pack his bags for league; it's a completely different environment and there's a better financial future in Union, together with it being a sport of more global significance, so increased recognition in more parts of the world, rather than being confined to Sydney and Brisbane....

 

[aussie1st]

I'm still not convinced that Giteau can lead our attack around. He has potential but everytime he has been put in the 10 he has failed. It's too bad Giteau got injuried as I would have liked to have seen what Fisher would have done with the 10 jersey. I'm pretty sure it would have been Fairbanks at 10 anyway which suggest he has the same thinking as me.

Barnes actually started off in league from last year, the Broncos are putting on pressure for him to comeback.

 

[James219]

Whoa, I didn't realise he'd started off in league, I haven't payed much attention to the NRL for a while anyway, but if he had the strength to change codes once, I don't think he'd relent, as it would have been a definitive decision and he probably saw a more productive career in Union. But, we still don't know what's going on in his mind, yet it would seem funny to make such drastic changes twice, that could ruin the whole pattern of thought.
Well fly-half holds plenty of responsiblity, he's the link to the back play and also drives the momentum of the forward pack, and you're right, he hasn't really been convincing yet, but he still has the versatility to remain an option, and still perform effectively in the centres.

 

[aussie1st]

Barnes only signed with the Reds this year, in his contract he has a get out clause. Wayne Benett basically told Barnes to give Union a try for a year, if he liked it he should stay if not he should go back to the NRL.

Giteau looks best suited at 2nd five, he has been awesome this year for the Brumbies and also last year when he got moved back to 12 he started performing. At 10 last year he was basically non existant, you couldn't tell if Giteau was on the field or not.

 

[James219]

Barnes only signed with the Reds this year, in his contract he has a get out clause. Wayne Benett basically told Barnes to give Union a try for a year, if he liked it he should stay if not he should go back to the NRL.

Giteau looks best suited at 2nd five, he has been awesome this year for the Brumbies and also last year when he got moved back to 12 he started performing. At 10 last year he was basically non existant, you couldn't tell if Giteau was on the field or not.

Oh, that's not great about Barnes then, but hopefully he stays with Union, he sounds like a very good prospect.
With Giteau- that's why I don't really understand about the move, he's starting to have success and look comfortable with the Brumbies, gaining some consistent momentum in his game, yet then looks to the Force....

 

[IloveGilly]

Bennett would never use Barnes anyway, so he was better off moving away and actually given a chance to play.

Would be nice to keep Giteau but if we are swapping him for the likes of Gasnier then who cares about him!

 

[aussie1st]

He might have used him this year, the Broncos need a hooker. Also I hear the Broncos aren't happy with Seymour so who knows.

Gasnier would be alright I guess, but he won't be in the Wallabies at 13 Mortlock is miles ahead, probably even the best Centre in the World.

 

[James219]

I dunno about miles. If Gasnier can get the transition of codes managed quickly and he adjusts well, he won't be that far off Mortlock...Obviously the latter would be better with his knowledge and experience, but Gasnier is extremely talented as everyone knows, and he'll give Mortlock some healthy competition after a while if he does end up neglecting league.

 

[genghis_khan]

australian union has so many great backs, but barely any decent forwards.

apparently Giteau is interested in the force because Matt Henjak went there and apparently they're best mates.

hey, he's welcome round these parts anyday! ....we need some star-quality

 

[James219]

Yeah, I bet crazy WA will lure him and then try and force a switch in codes, and I mean the whole way- AFL

 

[genghis_khan]

Yeah, I bet crazy WA will lure him and then try and force a switch in codes, and I mean the whole way- AFL

lol anythings possible.

but i doubt a rugby boy would be cut out for the tough world of AFL