POSITIONAL DEPTH
TLDR: I think we need an outside back and an edge forward.
Reported Signing*
Assumed Re-signing**
Recruit Needed***
Fullback: L Mitchell, J Gray, Munro
Where it’s at: Strong. We have a top 10 starter and a terrific prospect deputising. No additions needed. If Gray is asked to play exclusively in the halves, then you would likely want to be confident in a Gagai, Meyers, Bentley-Hape type, or Wighton to help Munro cover during any Latrell absences. But that doesn’t look like it will be the case at this early stage.
Wing: Johnston, Munro, Mellars, Meyers, Gagai**, Milne**
Where it’s at: It’s been discussed but an additional reliable option here (with some size) would go a long way. AJ under an injury cloud, Munro and Mellars struggling to stay on the park, Gagai and Milne (if re-signed) are depth pieces. Like most positions, yes there are stretch options like Tass or even Graham, but at this stage, let's just add so those guys can play the positions they are best suited to.
Recruitment: Add a piece.
Centre: Wighton, Graham, Mellars, Meyers, Tass**, Milne**, Gagai**
Where it’s at: Strong on paper, particularly at the top end. Graham will no doubt be rusty and Wighton hasn’t had many reps there, but all things being equal, it’s a position of strength. If the wing recruit can cover 3/4 too that would be handy.
Five-Eight: Walker, Wighton, Mitchell, Humphreys, Gray
Where it’s at: Looking strong in 6 too. No moves needed here.
Halfback: Dodd, Ilias, Humphreys, Gray
Where it’s at: Certainly an unproven point in the roster, but a position where we have some options.
Prop: Tatola, Moale, Koloamatangi, Arrow, Havili, Keppie, S Mitchell**
Where it’s at: In isolation it’s actually pretty strong. A lot depends on where Koloamatangi and Arrow line up.
Recruitment: A possible area of depth improvement, but if things are improved on the edges, perhaps not. A dev player might help fill one the emergency level ranks here.
Hooker: Mamouzelos, Humphreys, Havili, Ilias
Where it’s at: It’s not strong, but I’m also not sure it’s an area they add anymore top 30 talent too. Perhaps we manage to get an up and comer on a dev deal to help strengthen the position.
Edge Backrow: Aitken*, Host, Lovett, Fletcher (Koloamatangi, Arrow, Murray)
Where it’s at: The inverse of prop, where in isolation it’s likely a position of weakness, but you have the context that Arrow, Murray and Koloamatangi are options to help here. Personally, I want all three of those guys in the middle. Jury is out on the health prospects of Fletcher and Lovett, but both have something to offer if fit.
Recruitment: I think we should add another piece here. Of NRL starting quality.
Lock: Murray, Koloamatangi, Duncan, Le Blanc
Where it’s at: Another position where I think we’re sound. There are more options than this, but that’s more than enough in my mind already.
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So with 2-3 spots to fill, I’d be looking for a reliable winger, and a guy you can start at the NRL level on an edge. Understanding that both probably need to be value signings on under. Then save one for weird mid-season transfer market stuff.
We also have 4 (I think) additional dev spots up for grabs beyond Le Blanc and Meyers.
Would mean we’d go into pre-season with real strong competition for 4 spots that need to be finalised.
01 Mitchell
02 Johnston
03 Graham
04 Wighton
05 Best option from the pool available
06 Walker
07 Best option from the pool available
08 Koloamatangi
09 Best option from the pool available
10 Moale
11 Aitken
12 Recruit***
13 Murray
14 Tatola
15 Arrow
16 Duncan
17 Best option from the pool available
I'm sure plenty will suggest Arrow to an edge and get another bench impact prop. It's an option obviously.