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http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/qu...007ca315a4ccc3
THE Queensland Reds will stamp themselves as a genuine Super Rugby threat with the announcement that Scott Higginbotham will to return to Ballymore in 2017.
It took three years for the Reds to replace Higginbotham’s strong running game with that of Hendrik Tui’s after the former Wallaby left for the Melbourne Rebels in 2013, and the team’s attack seriously suffered as a result.
A Tui, George Smith and Higginbotham back row shapes as a line bending force for the Reds, who are expected to announce 13 new signings in the 38 man squad.
Higginbotham, star flyhalf Quade Cooper, Smith, Wallabies captain Stephen Moore, Leroy Houston and former Bronco Lachlan Maranta headline the new recruits.
Great news for Aussie Rugby.
Gee the Reds can't be short of a dollar!
I wonder how all that talent fits under the same salary cap the force are bound to.
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Same way as the Bronx stay ahead of the field in the Mungos. Completely above board third party deals. Usually done via brown paper bags in shopping centre car parks.
One of Higger's enducements t come back to Brisbane is that he has a business here (coffee shop) that he is looking to expand.
They've definitely pressured the ARU to bring back players that will get top ups.
Its a pity the Force are getting as much benefit, although I guess we haven't heard about this new signings over the next couple of weeks.
From a WA perspective it's worth noting that Jayden Ngamanu has picked up a full time training contract with the Reds too. Not Brad Lacey (or Mack Mason) though.
And how many of the Reds' recruits are under 30 ... ?
Was the rule that as soon as they sign the contract then they are eligible for the Wallabies? I am guessing he will be straight on the end of year tour then.
We don't need Higgers over here but hopefully the same approaches are being made to Longbottom, Timani, Kimlin, Mowen etc as any of them would be a good pickup for us.
Oh My Gawd, how much does Aussie rugby need a Keiran Longbottom right now!!!!!
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The squad the Reds have assembled is a ringing endorsement for the equalisation that the salary cap provides. Its just a pity the salary cap is a different amount for each team.
Snide remarks aside, thats great news for Jayden Ngamanu. The kid could be a real star.
Keiran Longbotten is just getting back from a serious foot injury and is in first year of contract with Sale. Not sure how long he signed for. Would be awesome getting him back in blue but then we would lose him to Wallabies.