2025 Squad - Speculation Thread

[Burgs]

There is still the rumour that Mac Grealy will be coming over from the Reds, this will provide some depth in the back three.

That would be fantastic "agility" balance to Pietsch's "power".
There is a bit of a logjam there now with Grealy, Daugunu, Vunivalu, Ryan and ?Petaia, versus a likely definite start at the Force. At 22 already 29 Caps for the Reds.

Vaiolini Ekuasi is a big unit and will probably force his way into the backrow as time goes on.

I would see him as direct competition for the #20 with Champion de Crespigny (good dynamic), but at 22 still plenty of upside ahead.

[shasta]

Pasitioa seems to have been missing for so long that I've lost track with him. Did another injury keep him out of contention right there SR?

[Burgs]

Pasitioa seems to have been missing for so long that I've lost track with him. Did another injury keep him out of contention right there SR?

Yeah, I think it was an elbow in the Pre-Season fixtures.
His knee has stood up to a full season for Baysie as far as I can find out.
Pretty sure he spent the season at #15.

EDIT:
Partly confirmed, was elbow but at least in this fixture he was #10- https://westernforce.rugby/news/foll...return-2024714

[Burgs]

According to Rugby Heaven Mason Gordon is not getting a Reds contract.
From what I've seen, could do worse at #15 or #22/23 for the Force.

[Garry Owen]

According to Rugby Heaven Mason Gordon is not getting a Reds contract.
From what I've seen, could do worse at #15 or #22/23 for the Force.

Yes would definitely be worth getting, surprised qld didn’t pick him up with JOC leaving. Hopefully we can still get Petaia and/or Grealey

[Burgs]

List updated-
Feleti Kaitu'u 2024 Departing to Racing 92 Top 14 France.
Probably a good outcome for all parties.

[Tazzmania]

Chase Tiatia signs for Japanese Division three side SAYAMA RG.

I am glad he has found a team, liked the guy and he was a good influence on the team and a good team man.

"Promoted to League One Division 3 from the 2024/2025 season, Sayama has just made official a new major recruit. This is the full-back Chiase Tiatia (Western Force). The 28-year-old player can play in several positions behind.

Chiase Tiatia has a very long experience at the top level since he also played for the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. Although born in New Zealand, he is eligible for Manu Samoa. The former historic resident of the Top League will be one of the big favorites for the title and promotion to League One Division 2 this season"

[palitu]

Chase Tiatia signs for Japanese Division three side SAYAMA RG.

I am glad he has found a team, liked the guy and he was a good influence on the team and a good team man.

"Promoted to League One Division 3 from the 2024/2025 season, Sayama has just made official a new major recruit. This is the full-back Chiase Tiatia (Western Force). The 28-year-old player can play in several positions behind.

Chiase Tiatia has a very long experience at the top level since he also played for the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. Although born in New Zealand, he is eligible for Manu Samoa. The former historic resident of the Top League will be one of the big favorites for the title and promotion to League One Division 2 this season"

i am not across how the japan leagues work, but i am surprised he ended up at a Japan Div 3 league. I think he is more than that!

[The InnFORCEr]

Queensland Reds flyer Mac Grealy surprise Western Force inclusion in South Africa tour squad
Wed, Sep 18, 2024, 7:45 AM
Nathan Williamson


Former Queensland Reds winger Mac Grealy has linked up with the Western Force ahead of their tour of South Africa

Grealy was one of the Reds' most consistent in 2024, coming off a double in their narrow loss to Wales in July.

The former Red joins on a train and trial deal, with the club looking to bolster their outside backs stocks after they signed Wallaby Dylan Pietsch.

“Mac always causes opposition sides headaches. He’s got high work rate and therefore he always finds himself in the action," stand-in coach Will Eggleston said.

"That’s exactly what we’re looking for in a back-three player. He’s proven himself in Super Rugby and he’s a good addition to the squad."

Shute Shield standout Coby Miln is another trialling with the squad after topping the points-scoring table with Warringah in 2024, joined by former Highlanders centre Sio Tomkinson.

New recruits Darcy Swain, Nic Dolly and Nick Champion de Crespigny have been included for their first hitouts with their new sides.

Wallabies prop Tom Robertson is also set to make the trip over as he returns from a sabbatical and an ACL injury on the completion of the Bledisloe Cup.

Mid-season recruit Reed Prinsep will captain the side as he continues his rise, with former Wallaby Sam Carter and young half Henry Robertson the vice-captains.

The Force set to play Perth Gold in a warm-up game on September 21 before they depart for South Africa on Wednesday September 25.

They will play three games against the Cheetahs and Emerging Ireland in Bloemfontein as part of the Toyota Challenge before a behind-closed-doors clash with the DHL WP XV in Stellenbosch.

Assistant coach Eggleston will take the reins as head coach, and Simon Cron will take an advisor role for the tour.

"We’ve only had three weeks together to train. We’ve spoken about not wasting a rep, not wasting a minute in the time we have together," Eggleston said.

"Cohesion comes with understanding what we’re going after and then doing it with your mates.”

Western Force spring series tour squad:
Forwards: Albert Alcock, Sam Carter (vc), Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic Dolly, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Harry Hoopert, Tom Horton, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Marley Pearce, Reed Prinsep (c), Tom Robertson, Dane Sawers, Darcy Swain, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Silafono Titiuti

Backs: Max Burey, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Mac Grealy, Justin Landman, Ronan Leahy, Coby Miln, Divad Palu, Doug Philipson, George Poolman, Harry Potter, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Henry Robertson (vc), Patelesio Tomkinson

Western Force spring series tour matches:

Thursday 3 October, 1am WST: Cheetahs vs Western Force, Bloemfontein (Stan Sport)

Sunday 6 October, 7pm WST: Emerging Ireland vs Western Force, Bloemfontein (Stan Sport)

Saturday 12 October, 9pm WST: DHL WP XV vs Western Force, Stellenbosch (behind closed doors)

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wester...h-gold-2024917

[Burgs]

Wasn't familiar with Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens so went searching, holy smokes!
Get this "kid" on a 3 year contract!
25, 187cm and 94kg.
As a #15 runs pretty much everything from 30m out.
Started thinking he mustn't be able to kick, not much use as a #15 at SR, then he lets a couple of monsters rip for touch.
Well, maybe he can't tac... BAM BAM!

Get a (or "THE") Mac Grealy on the end of those runs and it's try time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph9EPf0lfjI

Add-
In 2023 he was ranked 10th by Rugby News in their 10 Best Recruits to Round 5 and went on to place 8th in the Catchpole Medal.