Well the Sharks gave us a pumping on Saturday nite. I was hoping for a rallying of the troops, but instead it was more of the same: the Sharks pack crushed our pack (and didn't even break a sweat to be honest). And once you lose the forward battle you're ratshit.
I was wondering who we might be able to bring in, and to be honest there's not much in the cupboard. Sure Taumalolo will come back in, but he's not the epic, meter eating wrecking ball he once was.
Remember this?
Sadly it's a while since we've seen this from Jase.
And yep, Mikaele is an option, that we may well see next week. And Nanai could come back in. But that's kinda it. Week 2 and the well is dry. How the hell can we in this situation?
Made me reflect on our recruitment over the last few years.
In Todd's time we've been the guys who look for the good value cheapies - journeymen who happen to be off contract (who were up to at least their 3rd club when they joined us), juniors who have perhaps been overlooked or untried, or players yet to rack up 30 NRL games. I think it's fair to say that's an accurate description of Macintyre, Burns, Edwards, O'Donnell, Elliot, Taunoa-Brown, Paulo, Gosiewski, Clifford, Lawton, Leilua, Vailea, Valemi, Bateman, Mikaele, Moceidreke, Macintyre, Burr, Dearden, Chad, Hiku & Neame.
And let's consider who has left in that time. Val Holmes. The Hammer. Gilbert. Finefeuiaki. And Robson is now off in 2026.
We're losing quality first graders/SOO level talent, and we're replacing it with bargain bin recruits. Granted, Dearden is a diamond, Chad & Hiku had their moments (especially in 2022), and Neame has become a solid first grader. Leilua also played some good minutes (though he did the revolving door thing).
And yes, it's probably too early to tell on guys like O'Donnell, Lawton & Bateman, while both Macintyre & Edwards look solid if unspectacular.
Where though are the blue chip signings? SOO players, internationals, established high quality first graders. We haven't made one. (And I'm not counting Chad BTW - we were his 3rd club, and he was unwanted at Cronulla when he left)
I'm now wondering if Todd Payten isn't a bit of a tight arse. It strikes me as strange that in a year Chad & Val came off the books, we couldn't find the cash to retain Finefeuiaki (especially given the pack looks threadbare). And I also don't understand why we're always recruiting from the discards pile. Sure you'll find the occasional diamond, but gee you'll kiss a lot of frogs on the way. The club seems to be a financial success: nice stadium, good crowds, successful leagues club, strong merch sales. I'm quite sure there's cash to spend.
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