Queensland Reds

2006 Preview

The Reds are a team in trouble - at least that's how it seems. Back in the days of Super 10 they were a force and after that always a team to be reckoned with, one always capable of an upset, a gutsy team.

Then came 2005, and they were feeble, giving every impression of being wracked with disharmony and dissent. Players were leaving and there was talk that the coach, Jeff Miller, was on his way.

Miller is still on his way, but not until after the 2006 Super 14 when Eddie Jones will move in to Brisbane.

For the moment, the Reds do not look like a team to threaten the big guns.

Strengths: They have youth on their side and they have Chris Latham who often plays better than a team. Youth plus Latham could be a great deal of fun. They have some players who could create havoc.

Weakness: They lack experience and obvious strength. They have lost some great players without obvious replacements of the same class.

Noteworthy signings: Geoff Abram (New), Ole Avei (New), Berrick Barnes (Broncos), Andrew Brown (New), Caleb Brown (New), Mark Connors (Japan), Sam Cordingley (France), James Horwill (New), Dan McKellar (Wicklow, Ireland), Ben Mowen (New), James Sua (New), Cameron Treloar (New South Wales), Henari Veratau (Brumbies)
 
Noteworthy losses: Luke Doherty (Force), Daniel Heenan (Brumbies), Tai McIsaac (Force), Junior Pelesasa (Force), Wendell Sailor (Waratahs), Nathan Sharpe (Force), Nick Stiles (Retired), Rudi Vedelago (Force).

Coach: Jeff Miller was the CEO of the Reds till the coaching vacancy occurred. He then became coach, which raised eyebrows in some quarters. He had a "difficult" season.

Captain: John Roe was appointed as captain of the Reds in April 2005, and quickly stamped his leadership style on the team. That earned him a second term as captain. He is one of the Reds' most reliable and effective players, who is equally at home at No.8 or blindside flanker.

Player(s) to watch: You will watch Chris Latham and you will watch Drew Mitchell who is already one of the top finishers in world rugby. You will have an interest in even younger Berrick Barnes who comes from Rugby League with great promise.

2005 Position: 10th in Super 12
Best finish: 1st & semi-final in Super 12 in 1996 and 1999
Worst finish: 10th in Super 12 in 2004 and 2005
Home Venue: Brisbane

2006 Prediction: Low on the table again.

Reds squad: Geoff Abram, Tim Atkinson, Ole Avei, Berrick Barnes, Nic Berry, Rodney Blake, Andrew Brown, Caleb Brown, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Connors, Sam Cordingley, David Croft, Elton Flatley, Sean Hardman, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, Julian Huxley, Peter Hynes, Lloyd Johansson, Steve Kefu, Chris Latham, Anthony Mathison, Dan McKellar, Hugh McMeniman, Tom McVerry, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, Aniva (Pete) Niumata, John Roe, James Sua, Cameron Treloar, Ben Tune, Josh Valentine, Henari Veratau

Schedule:

Saturday 11 February: v Waratahs, Brisbane
Saturday 18 February: v Crusaders, Brisbane
Saturday 25 February: v Blues, Brisbane
Friday 3 March: v Chiefs, Hamilton
Saturday 11 March: v Force, Brisbane
Saturday 18 March: Bye
Friday 24 March: v Cheetahs, Bloemfontein
Saturday 1 April: v Sharks, Durban
Saturday 8 April: v Cats, Johannesburg
Saturday 15 April: v Bulls, BNrisbane
Friday 21 April: v Stormers, Brisbane
Saturday 29 April: v Brumbies, Canberra
Friday 5 May: v Hurricanes, Wellington
Friday 12 May: v Highlanders, Brisbane