The return of Queensland Rugby's godfather John Connolly to the Reds is not expected to stop an exodus of players from the struggling province. It may even have the opposite effect. As one highly ranked Reds source said this week: "Knuckles' return has seen the queue at the exit door growing." While Will Genia and James Horwill are heading overseas, of enormous concern is that Liam Gill could be lured to the Rebels next season. A departure by Gill, who has been one of the few consistent performers at the Reds, would devastate an already fragmented player group which has been troubled by internal division for well over a year. R&M keeps hearing numerous fringe Reds squad members are checking their options as they are concerned about the underwhelming environment. It was there for all to see in Christchurch last weekend, when the Reds virtually gave up in the second half against the Crusaders.

Liam Gill is reportedly weighing up a move to the Rebels © Getty Images

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The Queensland Rugby Union opted for the old mate's act in appointing Connolly to be an adviser to the beleaguered head coach Richard Graham - a decision which did not appease those many Queenslanders who believe it is time for the Reds to look ahead not behind for answers to revive an ailing side that is now bottom. Some in the Brisbane media saw through the Connolly appointment, who was returning to the Reds after a 15-year absence, explaining that it meant Graham was now a 'dead man walking.' No one should ever forget there is a long, strong relationship between Connolly and the current Force coach Michael Foley, who succeeded in avoiding a bullet last weekend when his struggling team defeated the Waratahs. Connolly, the wiliest of rugby politicians, has said he has no interest in being Reds coach, but will be making a recommendation on who should be in charge in 2016. While waiting for the legendary Knuckles 'tap on the shoulder', many around the traps will be quivering.

Cheika takes selection texts in good humour

It's lucky Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has a sense of humour. We've been told an in-form Test forward, who probably had a celebratory drink or two after a recent win, texted Cheika, pushing his international claims. Cheika laughed it off. And no there weren't any saucy photos. Cheika wasn't so jolly about the Waratahs appalling performance in Perth. Our spies say that Cheika did not speak one word to anyone on the long flight back, even avoiding players at luggage collection. Fair enough too - that was among the worst Waratahs performances in recent times.

Rob Clarke continues climb up ARU ladder

There is some interesting maneuvering going on at Australian Rugby Union HQ. Rob Clarke, the ARU general manager of professional rugby, is pushing his way up the totem pole. A staff memo this week which explained some intriguing departures in the ARU media and communications department, pointed out that Clarke 'will assume responsibility for Media & Communications at a senior executive level.' There are certain advantages in being in charge of the public message, as the clever operators can use it to improve their own image. It wouldn't surprise if Clarke soon takes over from Bill Pulver as ARU CEO, as our Crows Nest snouts tell us the current boss appears distracted by other pressing issues. Pulver's public appearances and moments in front of the camera have certainly dropped off in recent times. And Clarke, who previously was CEO at the Brumbies and Rebels, appears to be getting quoted more and more by the Australian rugby press.

Wallabies' Stateside stopover could throw up a surprise

The Wallabies will enjoy a rare trip to the United States when they play the Eagles in Chicago on September 5 - as part of their World Cup preparation. But they shouldn't treat this Test as a doddle. Past Wallaby ventures to the US have almost led to disaster. Australia first ventured to the United States in 1912 for a one-off Test at Berkeley. Australia were expected to win easily as they were up against part-timers who were relatively new to the game. However, after an hour the Americans were leading 8-nil. The score could have been even more embarrassing, as two early American tries were disallowed, during a period where, according to one newspaper report, the Wallabies were 'hopelessly outclassed.' So disgusted were the Australian supporters in the 10,000 crowd that the call of 'throw your cigarettes away' rang around the St Ignatius Ground. Eventually they awoke from their slumber, scoring 12 points in as many minutes, with one of Australia's most versatile sportsmen, Dan Carroll, who later coached the United States to Olympic gold success in 1920 and 1924, saving the tourists when he finished off an excellent backline move. Then in 1976, following their British Isles tour, the Wallabies played in Anaheim. With only ten minutes to go, a distracted Wallabies, led by Geoff Shaw, were only in front by four points. Late tries by John Ryan and Ray Price ensured a scratchy Wallabies outfit won 24-12.

The Wallabies will replicate the All Blacks' Chicago stopover from 2014 © Getty Images

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Shute Shield strugglers Penrith forgotten again

The future of the Penrith club in the Sydney grade competition looks grim after recent poor performances. We hear some ARU officials looking for answers out in the vast western Sydney suburbs, are investigating the viability of the Mountain Men, and that could involve a club relocation or amalgamation. Those from the West are not expecting much sympathy from the ARU. As one NSW official said: "The last time certain ARU officials headed west was when Shore school played away to Kings." And the North Harbour Rays NRC team will likely have new home venues this year. As a way to cut costs, the Rays plan to play their home games at either Manly Oval or Rat Park, rather than at Brookvale.

Whispers of the week

- Was a referee in the Sydney club competition really sighted having a drink in the winning team's shed after disallowing an opposition try that would have won them the game?

- Frustration among many Sydney clubs when they tried to send their scores through to a NSW official, only to find that the person's phone had run out of credit and so could not access the information.

- Shortly before the John Singleton-Jack Cowin brouhaha at a Sydney restaurant this week, which led to front-page news, two former ARU officials were sighted at the same Sydney restaurant, celebrating a triumph and badmouthing their former employers.

- Did an ARU official really knock back an invitation from a high-ranking politician to attend Federal Budget night, due to 'work commitments'? You never turn away from those who hold the money.