ROB’S OUT FOR REDS
NINE-SEASON pillar Rob Simmons has been cut by the Queensland Reds in a big call that indicates the club is backing the youth of Lukhan Tui and Izack Rodda as their top locks for the future.
The Reds announced yesterday they wouldn’t renew the deal of the pack stalwart, who equalled the 112 Queensland appearances of John Eales in his most recent game against the Western Force.
No.8 Leroy Houston, lured home from English club Bath last year by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, has also been released in a mutual decision with a year still on his deal.
Jettisoning Simmons, still only 28, seemed implausible a little over 12 months ago when he captained Queensland.
He has done everything at the Reds as a valued member of the 2011 Super Rugby-winning side, joining the 100-cap club, leading his state, setting a spotless example off the field and never wavering from his strong one-club loyalty.
Being clearly outplayed by fellow Wallaby locks Adam Coleman (Force), Rory Arnold (Brumbies) and Sam Carter (Brumbies) in local derbies this season could not have helped Simmons’ case because he was dropped for last Friday’s clash against the Blues in Samoa.
Coach Nick Stiles elected to back Tui and Rodda, both 20, as a starting pairing for the first time instead and gave them a strong vote post-match for their physicality and impact. The call on Simmons, after he met with Stiles yesterday, comes in a tough week.
He was snubbed for the June Test squad and an AC joint injury sustained at training in Samoa means he’s out for up to six weeks.
Simmons might have a farewell to come for the Reds if required for the clashes against the Brumbies (July 7) and Highlanders (July 14) when the team winds up their disappointing season after this month’s three Tests.
Simmons has plenty still to offer with his background of 71 Tests.
Only last week, Cheika said Simmons was far from off the radar as a Test forward.
“He’s one of the best locks around when he gets angry ... technically we know he’s very good and works hard,” the Wallabies coach said.