Anasta and Graphem keep asking how we are going to fill the issues with the middle forwards.
I can't see many out there.
No doubt if Bennett comes he will identify some forwards like parsons.
I think the middle forwards stuff is a tad overblown. A problem, but a symptom of some of our coaching struggles to an extent.
Murray is your lock and you have good depth behind him. He’s elite.
You have Arrow and Tatola. No issues there, those guys are good to go. And also top tier (just get them on the park - they have 16 and 18 games out of 32 the last 2 seasons).
They’re 100% going to replace Burgess. There is cash there to do that from him leaving. Probably from ESL.
That leaves one prop spot in the top 17 to fill.
The depth isn’t too bad with Moale, Mitchell, and Havili.
I’d tip Bennett to punt Keppie and pull some of the middles magic he did with Nichols and Sele.
Whether it’s converting a Koloamatangi or Host, or picking up someone we all roll our eyes at in the offseason.
I would hope they address the real issue in 2025, our edges. I.e the reason Arrow (and if you want to get creative, Koloamatangi or Host), haven’t been able to boost our middles/depth.
We have a log jam of left side backs talent (Mitchell, Wighton, Cody, Gray, Dodd).
Duncan, Wighton and Murray could feasibly end up our backrow. That’s not as far fetched as it may sound. Fletcher is an option there at some point in 2025 if he can get healthy too with the right guidance. Kolo and lastly Host too.
I wouldn’t be suprised if they pick up a fringe guy with upside there either for the edges as well. Perhaps at the expense of Chee Kam if they feel they’ve seen enough.