I wouldn't chase anyone we have previously let go. (Macca/Kahu etc will leave soon enough). BUt Opiciac (whilst I thought was a waste letting him go at the time, due to his defence at center), Taylor (shows a few glimpses last year), and Su'a (nothing amazing, just outside a well renowned hlf who can give good quality ball) are not our needs.
If Isaako fails we need a serious FLB.
1. Isaako/???
2. Coates
3. Staggs
4. Farnsworth/Nui/Copley (does do a job)/ but we could also go to market here.
5. Mead/surely we have some young wingers coming through??
6. Milf/Paix (depending on if Kevvie can fix milf)
7. Dearden
8. Haas
9. Macca/Turpin (wouldn't mind a smith?)
10. Lodge (If he is comintted)
11. Riki
12. Bullemore/Pikaku
13. Carrigan/Pangai (Asiata for the time being if Pangai can get his head screwed on, but could be any of the three in future)
14. Utility/Hok - Walters/Paix/Turpin
15. Fleg
16/17 - left overs of Asiata/Pangai/Carrigan all in a rotation role in the middle
I feel if we can put it together, and simplify Milford/dearden/isaako's roles as a whole the team will improve this year.
1. Isaako needs to just catch the ball, play safe and run hard back into the line (like Hunt used to). His ball playing will develop, too much presure expected before he has even had 3+ games at FLB!
6/7. Dearden can control the plays and Milf just plays whats ahead, both need solid defenders outside them. Milf needs to play both sides out back, sweeping like Boyd/many FLBs.
9. I feel Kevvie is playing hard ball with drags over Macca, 1 for the principal and we have already forked out 150k, and that he has the experience to get our forwards going on the right foot, gives Turpin some more time to develop and come on and run. Plus tightens our middle.
10/8. Lodge/Haas/Fleg - and even Carrigan can rotate evenly in the prop rotation, all have shown when needed can play bigger min, but not necessary to get the best out of them.
11/12. Riki/Bullemore/Pikaku are who we need to keep, they will develop and have attacking upside.
13. Asiata/Panagi - Both have ball playing skills, Pangai just neds to develop mentaly!