Reds Chasing Pocock!

[oxleymoron]

Yes, but would have thought that for a young 'un such as Pocock, the decision would be less about dollars and more about development, coaching and opportunity. And could the Reds offer him more, anyway?

The development would have been an option with the academy at Ballymore, but as that has been shelved, why play for a team that loses more than it wins. It creates doubts in your psyche, as to whether you will play in a winning team and be able to deliver on the big stage.

As for opportunity, I think that question was answered back in April 2006.

[AndyS]

According to Dave Hughes, they are also after Hockings, Cowan and O'Connor. Got to laugh - Hockings and O'Connor are from Q'ld, yet had to come here for an opportunity. Having got the chance, they have "caught the [Q'ld] eye" - doesn't say much for their talent identification program.

So, they can't spot the talent, the talent has to go elsewhere, then they notice the talent and look to buy it back...oh, yeah, I'm sure there's no chance that the Premier Rugby funding wasn't being wasted.

[GIGS20]

as was Digby Andy, he went back for a guaranteed slot on the field because he knew he was always going to be behind Mitchell and Shephed, fighting it out with the likes of Haig and such for a single wing spot.

Bam Bam is a different kettle of fish in my opinion, he seems like the kind of guy who will thrive on competition for the slot and die a little if he's starved of that.

He COULD sign for qld and fight it out with Crofty for maybe a season before gettign a guaranteed walk-up spot at 7 with the number tatooed on his back, but I don't think he'd want that, I think he's the type of guy who'd want to fight for and win the spot in a competitive environment. Let's face it, Digby's forgotten how to catch because he doesn't need to be good at it to get his slot, that's what competition does for you....that's why the Reds are crap every year, the lack of depth and competition, makes for complascent players.

Even the artificial competition of gutting the team and bringing the kids on this week only has limited effect, it works OK if the kids are good enough, but if they aren't (Listening KooWaide?) it's really just an attempt to slap the underperformers on the wrist!

[oxleymoron]

There are reports coming from Queensland today that they are interested in signing Julian Salvi, this could be a very good thing for Salvi, the deads and most importantly Pocock staying with the force.

[GIGS20]

Salvi's probably more likely to consider it too, having far less to lose than Bamm Bamm, I mean, Salvi's a bench player at the Brumbs and will get stacks of geniune game time with the weaker team!

[TOCC]

apparentley its because his family is still in QLD.

[BLR]

apparentley its because his family is still in QLD.

Yeah, he's a big boy, I'm sure he'll not be too fussed about his mummy and daddy...

[TOCC]

hmm ok then

[GIGS20]

I agree with BLR, he's not a winger with dodgy hands!

[laura]

I have no cousins that I see in Perth anymore, so if he is missing being around family, I will adopt him to mine while he is in Perth.

Same goes for any of the boys...happy to adopt them all!