Mav went down for game time. which was justified
Correct most aren't fancy and hence why very few will be re-signed. No one is demanding to be re-signed
Riki also goes to cover in the centres too and still doesn't gain many metres.
A couple of plodders will get signed and a few younger guys to hopefully take Kik's role
The issue is that theres not a lot on the market in the 2nd row and we are going to be well short next year. Like probs 3 2nd rowers short..
Riki is on minimum wage. Knows the system and game plan and the players now. He has skills.
Why would we move him on just to sign someone on minimum who isny as good?
Burns isnt going to be minimum if we go after him. Will be 175 to 200 id say..
Rikis got a lot of upside for a bloke on minimum. Hes ahead of geyer and liasati who still need time in between grades to develop. They are an 18 month project.
The idea of letting a minimum player go to bring in another of possibly less ability is silly.
If he goes because he can get an oppurtunity in the top grade somewhere good for him we cant help that.
But whats left on the market at minimum value.... especially in that kind of mould that he is, being big strong mobile with an offload and can play 80 with a 95% tackle rate....
Its a no brainer imo.
Whilst hopgood realistically isnt much chance of playing fg next year with us as he is a middle, riki is a good chance id say. Especially if he can nail down a full pre season and get through this year uninjured. We are going to be short for edge players no matter which way you look at it..
Even if we sign burns and resign c smith will still be short at least 1 more.
Say we get burns and resign c smith and riki
That leaves us with;
Martin a lock to start on an edge.
Garner, c smith, riki, billy burns fighting it out for the last 2 or 3 edge spots depending on how we role with the bench.
Not a lot of depth really. Burns should be a target for sure.
Mav has more to work on than just fitness.. 75% tackle rate in cup is probably 60% in the nrl... which is nowhere near good enough..
He will get there but hes a work in progress and is a far way off nrl level atm