Reds Chasing Pocock!

[littleleck]

Roe stands aside
Greg Growden | March 11, 2008 - 10:51AM

Back-rower John Roe has relinquished the Queensland captaincy in a bid to jump start the battling Reds' season. Halfback Sam Cordingley has been unveiled as the new skipper.

The move was made in a stunning bid to turn around the Reds' fortunes after a 1-3 start.

The Reds are targeting Force back-rower David Pocock in the hope of snaring him for next season. Queensland's interest in such a quality flanker is understandable considering the Reds back row has been completely outplayed the past two rounds.

Coach Phil Mooney made the "extremely difficult decision" to get more out of the highly-regarded 101-game veteran, Roe.

Mooney, who first coached the 30-year-old 12 years ago, said four seasons as leader and first-rate team man for the competition battlers had seen Roe bear a huge load.

"I've known him for a long time and I reckon the last couple of years he's been captain has been pretty trying times for the team and he's emotionally carried the team in that period," Mooney told AAP.

"I think that has affected his recent performance.

"We've agreed it allows him to concentrate on producing week, in week out.

"It's a mark of the man that for Roey it's all about the team. He embodies the team and you can't help but admire him."

The Reds' ineffectual back-row bore the brunt of criticism after Saturday night's 34-16 loss to the free-running Stormers at Suncorp Stadium.

Mooney has already shown reputations counted for little at the selection table, but he denied the captaincy handover had been prompted by a need to bench the former Test player.

Roe is set to start against the Bulls on Saturday night but the Reds are looking at adding an extra back-rower to their bench to ensure more impact around the breakdown.

"Phil and I discussed it this morning and agreed that a change of leadership was in the best interests of the team," Roe in a QRU statement released tonight.

"It has been a great honour to captain Queensland and I look forward to continuing to serve the team and Queensland rugby in whatever capacity I can."

Roe took over as skipper in bizarre circumstance in April 2005 when Elton Flatley was forced to retire and stand-in captain Nathan Sharpe announced he was leaving the side.

The Reds are set to announce their team for Saturday night's clash tomorrow with exciting youngster Quade Cooper set to return to the starting team in the place of centre Morgan Turinui.

Wallabies World Cup tourist Cordingley led the Reds for the first time in their pre-season trial match against the Blues in January.

AAP


Surely John Mitchell won't let this happen!!
So is he definantly off contract at the end of the season?

[Skiza]

Back off Reds
Im sure Pocock will make the best choice for himself...and hopefully his choice is the Force!!

[tragic]

Are there any particularly good reasons why Pocock would head to Queensland?

[PerthGirl]

Family? Are they still in QLD?

[Jess]

Sharpie will convince him to stay. He knows where it's at.

[jono]

piss off reds!
HYPOCRITES!!!

[laura]

Go home Reds...He's ours!

[BLR]

Try to be dignified people, even if he does leave we don't want to be like the god forsaken Weagles...

[slomo]

Are there any particularly good reasons why Pocock would head to Queensland?

$$$$$$$ and thats about it.!

[benny]

EWF gave him the start, please BAM-BAM we want you here..

[GIGS20]

THIS IS AWESOME NEWS!!!!!! Growden was the one who tipped Giteau to return to the Brumbies ASAP......this is a sure sign that Bam Bamm is about to sign!

Don't panick people, this is more sauce to appease his Qld readers!

[blindsid3]

Lets face it...competitive blokes like Pocock like to win.

He also wants to play for the wallabies. Everyone knows that selection for representation is easier for members of winning teams than those on a losing streak - no matter how talented the player may be.

Have you noticed how much Digby's stock has lowered since he left the Force - notwithstanding his recent indescretion that has him sidelined for three weeks, he will find it much tougher to convince selectors that he should be included in a wallaby lineup from a team that is being thumped every week than from one that is winning. Since Tuquiri seems to have dibs on one wing...Mitchell and Spanner will be fighting it out for the other one and that leaves little room for Diggers...

Same goes for Bam Bam...he moves to a team with inherent winning problems and he will make his selection so much tougher.

[BLR]

Lets face it...competitive blokes like Pocock like to win.

Well did you see how devestated he was after the loss on the weekend, I think the Reds would offer that, ten-fold...except less 'what could have been' and more depression...

[tragic]

$$$$$$$ and thats about it.!

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?

[no.8]

Since Tuquiri seems to have dibs on one wing...Mitchell and Spanner will be fighting it out for the other one and that leaves little room for Diggers...

A reputation doesn't score tries - Turkey is testament to this. No tries in the world cup and only a gimme with Waratahs.
I don't think being who he is is enough for 'Aussie' Rob to pick him.

Me personally 11. Mitchell 15. Shepherd 14. Gerrard looks like a good combination.

As far as Bam Bam goes - he'll stay - he's bread is butter too well here.