In terms of spine players, I am going to go against my better judgment here and say...I think Turpin-Paix can work IF NEED BE, however the 9 I'd be going for IS gettable. So I would not be throwing ridiculous money at any available or possibly available 9, unless that is a Grant, Korisau, Hunt or Mahoney. None of these however are going to be available any time soon as they have all been taken off the market and in Hunt's case, he doesn't want to play 9. I wouldn't mind throwing an offer Simpkin's way but really only if he wanted for a starting 9 chance and the Tigers let him and I don't think that will happen.
So here it is...I'd be going all in on Berrell and he is 100% gettable AND cheap and with him and Paix, I think we have a pretty decen 1-2 hooker punch. This gives us time to see whether Mozer is what we need and if he comes on within the next 1-2 seasons. Plus, I don't know if the Dolphins will be after him as Graham looks like he might just about be ready by '23.
I know Munster would improve our side on field, absolutely and instantly make us respectable BUT he won't come, it is a pipe dream. Sure ask the question but already know the answer. Basically, he isn't coming BUT I also think we can make do with Walters / Gamble until Mam is ready and hopefully, that might even been some time late this season. So I don't think 6 is a priority.
So, in my opinion, the spine player we most need to throw money at is a fullback and again, I just don't think Walsh will come back because I think Redcliffe will throw a million at him, they need a big fish and haven't got one. This is the reason I wanted to throw a lot of money at Hammer last year. Hynes would have been EVERYTHING but again, he was never coming.
But aside from Walsh, who else is there available that is gettable? Genuine question because I feel this is our biggest need.
CNK? I wouldn't mind him as a stop gap until someone else arises or some kid comes from the clouds.
Savage? He is the heir apparent at Canberra, we aren't getting him.
Staines? He just seems like a massive tool and is unproven at fullback, so we'd be back at square one.
Drinkwater? He's basically Tesi defensively, no thanks.
Field? I would definitely take a punt here, he is carving up in ESL but hey, so did Tomkins and look how poorly he did over here.
And again, none of these are guns with the exception MAYBE of CNK but he is starting to get on.
Now the left field one we all dream about is RTS but I just don't think he is going to give up his rugby dream before a world cup, I just don't think it is happening.
So who is left? Herbie but we might lose him and he isn't getting a shot at FB anyway.
Thoughts? Which fullbacks should we be targeting?