I still think there well come be more incomings and goings before the season starts. Wouldn't be too surprised to see the likes of Escare and Sammut to be shown the door. This possibly could open up more cap space for new additions.
Current thoughts - Mago out or get running up them plantations, get fit or get rid. Maybe a back up halfback, someone with a bit of experience on a short term deal. Big tall strong running second rower, like a McMeekin or Sironen type back rower.
14 - Clarke 15 - Bullock 16 - Isa 17 - Smith / Powell
I’d want Escare, Navarette, Greenwood gone and sign a proper right sided second rower, a big lad with an offload and McMeekin would be perfect along with a proper hooker. My first choice would be Jayden Bradley from Cronulla, second choice Lussick from Salford.
I’m struggling to see why we signed French, I don’t know where he fits in to the side other than at standoff.
14 - Clarke 15 - Bullock 16 - Isa 17 - Smith / Powell
I’d want Escare, Navarette, Greenwood gone and sign a proper right sided second rower, a big lad with an offload and McMeekin would be perfect along with a proper hooker. My first choice would be Jayden Bradley from Cronulla, second choice Lussick from Salford.
I’m struggling to see why we signed French, I don’t know where he fits in to the side other than at standoff.
I think French could be a 6 playing off Hastings. Or as a FB depending on what we decide to do with Hardaker etc. I'd want him on the ball more than he would be as a winger. I agree with trying to offload Escare and Navarette, I'd add Sammut, Clubb and Flower to that list. But I honestly would give Greenwood more time; only last season his performance pretty much saw he as the form SR in SL.
Funny how things pan out; last season we seemed to have an abundance of wingers with 4 on the cap (Burgess, Manfredi, Davies and Marshall) back then Burgess an Manfredi looked the best all-rounders, with Davies 3rd with Marshall looking dangerous in attack but having issues in D, but with injures and developments we've seen Davies and Manfredi on long term injuries and Burgess struggle with form...it's a funny old game with twists and turns that are most unexpected.
I too would give Greenwood more time. His form against Saints in the Super 8s was fantastic and I’d say it’s about rebuilding his confidence and certainly nothing to do with ability. I’d get shut of Sammut Navarette and Escare and I’d love us to bring in a top quality hooker. Powell as we all know is a grafter and his form improved out of sight last season but I do still see him as a weak link in our attack.
I too would give Greenwood more time. His form against Saints in the Super 8s was fantastic and I’d say it’s about rebuilding his confidence and certainly nothing to do with ability. I’d get shut of Sammut Navarette and Escare and I’d love us to bring in a top quality hooker. Powell as we all know is a grafter and his form improved out of sight last season but I do still see him as a weak link in our attack.
Totally agree. What 9 would you realistically like to bring in? I'd love a creative 9 with a scoot who can get us playing off the front foot.
Current thoughts - Mago out or get running up them plantations, get fit or get rid. Maybe a back up halfback, someone with a bit of experience on a short term deal. Big tall strong running second rower, like a McMeekin or Sironen type back rower.
Kruise Leeming would be my choice but I’m confident we’re well stocked with hooking options if we show some patience. Sam Powell is a good player but the two youngsters in the 19’s could challenge him over the next few years. I like the pair of them and both look capable of breaking through to superleague level.
Kruise Leeming would be my choice but I’m confident we’re well stocked with hooking options if we show some patience. Sam Powell is a good player but the two youngsters in the 19’s could challenge him over the next few years. I like the pair of them and both look capable of breaking through to superleague level.
That’s my line of thinking. I don’t think Powell is a world beating hooker and his performances and decisions are called into question sometimes but he’s a decent hooker and more importantly; an experienced one. I’d much prefer to start promoting the 19’s hookers and give them SL experience and gradually phase out Powell that way. It’s not a quick option, probably the lengthiest but ultimately will stand them in better stead.
The only thing that may change my viewpoint on that would be if we signed a seasoned, successful hooker in the mould of Cameron Smith or a James Roby.