Thought this was funny
It will be interesting to see what happens.
I think the situation in Australia is a lot different to SA.
The Perth Force wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for a private benefactor; they are surviving, but sure aint thriving.
They can't even sign Australian contracted players right now, without paying a large premium.
And . . . then there is a behemoth NRL in the back ground.
The next few seasons in Perth will probably tell us what the long term outcome for rugby (union) is in Australia.
Although still small when compared to Aussie rules; rugby union is actually a much larger sport (on the field) in Western Australia than rugby league,
This is the only state in Australia where this is the case.
So if the new Perth NRL franchise eclipses the Force, then the outlook for a quality domestic comp in Australia for Wallaby players to even play in wont be good.
This is not the case in SA,. SA will always have some sort of quality domestic comp.
Breakdown - * = uncapped
Hookers
Josh Nasser, BPA, Billy Pollard
Props
Angus Bell, Zane Nonggorr, Tom Robertson, Aidan Ross*, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou
Locks
Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, LSL, Will Skelton, Jeremy Williams
Loose Forwards
Nick CdC, Langi Gleeson, Fraser McReight, Carlo Tizzano, Rob Valetini, Harry Wilson
Scrumhalves
Ryan Lonergan*, Tate McDermott, Nic White
Flyhalves
Ben Donaldson, Tane Edmed, James O'Connor
Centres
Josh Flook, Len Ikitau, Hunter Paisami, JAS
Wings
Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch, Corey Toole*
Fullbacks
Andrew Kellaway, Tom Wright
@booboo He has made himself available for the Rugby Championship following Jake Gordons injury. Would be saving the Wallabies from having to bring in a second uncapped halfback alongside Ryan Lonergan. The only other capped halfback is Issak Fines-Leleiwasa but he seems to have switched his focus to Fiji having signed with the Drua. Expecting to see Lonergan get a decent shot this Rugby Championship
@barbarian said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
I am 37. Maybe slightly pessimistic. But I'd peg it at maybe 20% chance? We weren't that far away in 2015, if you get a good draw and the bounce of the ball you never know.
Your at home in the next one, and have an way above average 1st XV right at the moment, so a short term approach and build to 2027 gives the Wallbies a real shot, IMHO. I'm not saying they are favourites, but there is a lot of draw luck that goes into it (especially to get to the final) & then that basically just gives you a one off game against the best team in the tournament. At home.
The future will be what it is, but the next 2 years are firmly within control to have a real shot at taking out the big one.
@MiketheSnow said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
I’m 59 this year and still think Wales can do it in my lifetime
Seismic changes required in Welsh rugby for this.
I think even if you and and Barb's swapped ages, I'd still put the money on him.
@pakman said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
@NTA How do you rate this young Massimo De Lutiis fella?
Seems to be a proper tight head. Needs a few years to learn his trade but I'm told he's strong as an ox.
24 days later
@KiwiMurph lol just wait. They'll blow it all 
@KiwiMurph said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
@NTA said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
@KiwiMurph lol just wait. They'll blow it all
Ever the optimist
Realist; I've seen this people operate up close 
The NRL have goals for a $300M asset base, and they'll get there by investing in property across the land and various other enterprises.
Rugby Australia - despite all these white-collar graduates of the finest educational institutions money can (and does) buy - are just now debt free after years of boom and bust, driven by bad negotiation and a lack of nous; it's like they can't operate outside an old boys network.
Here's a micro-example of who I'm talking about:
As I've asked in various forums, surely there are some hedge fund managers who can put together a couple of billion dollars to fund the sport off interest generated? Add the tiny TV deal we have into that, and we can sustain and grow the sport.
The concept of the Future Fund is great - but I remain to be convinced they know where to send the funding when the landscape is such a mish-mash of self-interest. Meanwhile schools are using government funding to run their ever-shrinking rugby programs as AFL floods the market with cash.
19 days later
Marky Mark has told the Roosters he wont extend beyond 2026 to play for the Wallabies.. well latest rumour anyway
@bayimports said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
Marky Mark has told the Roosters he wont extend beyond 2026 to play for the Wallabies.. well latest rumour anyway
9 days later
Congrats to James Slipper - 151 Tests is amazing, even more so when you consider he's done it from the front row!
@antipodean said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
Congrats to James Slipper - 151 Tests is amazing, even more so when you consider he's done it from the front row!
And most of the time on back foot
Some effort. Seems sound too. Was a tremendous Captain through a brutal period for them when Hooper retired.
Some great yarns and hard facts about a tough man (the animal played against the boks with a torn MCL) in this piece: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/we-asked-11-rugby-people-for-their-favourite-james-slipper-story-here-s-what-they-said-20251002-p5mzjl.html
The Force like collecting NZ coaches.
Seems the rumours about Carter Gordon returning to rugby are about to be confirmed. Announcement on Monday.
Transfer fee of "six figures" in the same week they've cut millions from the women's program.
Okey dokey...
Right decision by RA on Carter Gordon given the options available.
The women's rugby decision however.....
@NTA said in Aussie Pro Rugby:
Transfer fee of "six figures" in the same week they've cut millions from the women's program.hikari
Okey dokey...
Hilarious. Played fuck all games for the Titans all year and he was free to move on, so RA pay the Titans for the privilege of having a player they didn't want and would free up room in their salary cap.
On what planet would he command seven figure in France?
I didn't look at Gordon and think future superstar. Wonder why they think he's worth so much.