Once were Loiners wrote:
Sad to see Martin go but our pack needs a complete revamp in physicality, and while he's a very good player, the one thing he lacks is size.
Tom Burgess would not be a huge upgrade on anything but the catering budget. He's been awful this year for Souths, and playing far fewer minutes than he used to. Maybe he'll get a new lease of life in SL, but he looks shot to me. JWH will either look a genius signing or one of the worst ever. He'll need to tone it down in SL or he'll spend long periods suspended. Neither were available this season anyway. Thompson might have been a miss but I thought his defence in the NRL was awful, and I wouldn't throw big money at him.
What we need is the kind of forwards that Leigh and others have picked up, not big names as such. Like Lisone but bigger and better. Hopefully Arthur will know players that fit the bill.
Completely agree with this JWH will spend more time banned than playing in SL.
Martin, whilst being a great player, is part of a problem we have of a small backrow. That's proved by the fact he is moved to centre rather than prop when we're short in both. Its a shame we missed out of Fitzgibbon, as he's a good size.
Personally I'm looking forward to seeing what Blease can do. If Arthur stays on, perhaps we could look at a couple of the Eels players they're currently looking to move on. Regan Campell Gillard and Shaun Lane would be exactly what we need.