Agree there needs to be a plan, this was what Millward was employed to do as director of pathways but doesn't work if Mary is not on board.Agree Benny.
I guess the Thompson one has been answered. We're looking to move him on and not resign him (unless you are talking about when we resigned him a couple of years ago). However, as Manly seem to have gone cold on the signing, it makes sense to keep him on board for the last year of his contract. I'm guessing Nighty is just a sentimental signing - I would hope he would be used this year to support a junior in his position and share the spot with that junior or at the very least a capable player from the res team. Same with Thommo - although I imagine Sims may take that spot eventually and we'll see Host or Leilua on the bench.
Picking the right juniors is definitely an issue. I don't watch a heap of the res or junior games but based on comments on here it sounds like just about every player coming through or playing in the res team should be promoted. This is obviously not possible if you want to be competitive so identifying those that have the capability and can make the switch quickly is key.
I wouldn't be surprised to see more 1 year experienced signings in the next couple of years while we continue to transition the youngsters into first grade bit by bit. The plan is sound, it's the execution and finding the right balance of youth and experience that is the hard part.
With Thommo - I personally wouldn't have re-signed him for his current contract and given the starting spot to Sims with the intent of having Host ready to go full-time by kickoff next year.