If his foot injury proves as serious as last time could Walker be deregistered, and if that happens is he then off the cap. That we we can support rehab without restricting the salary cap.
I’d be very surprised if conversations weren’t happening with Matt Prior. He was awesome and deserved a new deal, but it was a year too long and he very much looks like a player that’s played a season too long.
I also assume fusitua is causing an issue in all of this as I believe part of is salary was paid by the warriors this year (just an observation, I don’t want him to go, I think there’s an awesome player in there who’s struggled moving half way across the world with a baby on the way).
So, Hooley, Olpherts, McDonald, Hardaker, McDonnell, Ruan, Sangare in theory, if the stars align. Would you see that as strengthening?
I would yes
Hooley - Walker = probably Walker if he could stay fit but he can’t
Olpherts - briscoe = olpherts easily
McDonald - Sutcliffe = probably even but McDonald gives you a lot more size and power
Hardaker - he was already here
McDonnell - mellow = I haven’t seen enough or McDonnell but I would rather have him given his age profile than Mellor
Ruan - thompson = probably Thompson on now but in 6 months it will be Ruan given their respective age profiles
Sangare - Mustapha = sangare easily for me given his size and power
That leaves Broadbent and Dwyer but I would say Edwards comes back from loan to pick up Broadbents spot, maybe Broadbent is further on in his development but I like edwards. Dwyer is O’Connor stepping up a little unexpectedly and Johnson so I don’t really see that as a massive drop down given Dwyer wasn’t getting picked at the business end of the season.
If those mentioned are coming in I can only see a slight strengthening of the squad especially with Prior going another season which would be 3 seasons too far. Maybe just maybe if Tetavano can get a longer deal back in the NRL he might be tempted to leave. Prior is a complete waste of money and unless he does the gentlemanly thing (and why would he) and leave. We are stuck with someone who shouldn`t be in the 17 on a lot of cap. Get in 2 barnstorming props for those 2 and we will definitely have strengthened.
So, Hooley, Olpherts, McDonald, Hardaker, McDonnell, Ruan, Sangare in theory, if the stars align. Would you see that as strengthening?
It’s strengthening the squad, but not necessarily strengthening the team. For me, I’d prefer to see us work on strengthening the top 20 players and promote the kids to take the remaining positions outside the 20.
Smith seemed shocked by the lack of depth at the club when he arrived, and the fact so few players are coming into their prime (I think he said 23-25?). Some of these signings seem more about creating that depth in the future.
Of the rumoured signings only MacDonald and Sangare would seem likely to feature in a first choice 17 at the start of next year. But until the likes of Prior and Tetevano leave it seems unlikely we could do much more. The problem is that for 2024 we might need to replace both halfbacks as well - two quality props and two halfbacks would seem a huge reach in one go.
If those mentioned are coming in I can only see a slight strengthening of the squad especially with Prior going another season which would be 3 seasons too far. Maybe just maybe if Tetavano can get a longer deal back in the NRL he might be tempted to leave. Prior is a complete waste of money and unless he does the gentlemanly thing (and why would he) and leave. We are stuck with someone who shouldn`t be in the 17 on a lot of cap. Get in 2 barnstorming props for those 2 and we will definitely have strengthened.