Over the past few years its been well documented how many gun players we've let slip through our grasp, whilst signing over the hill guys on big salaries or league journeymen to replace them. Now the fact that we have been able to sign these three kids shows a huge turn around from that club. I am going to preface this by saying that I haven't seen Stefano or Shawn play a minute of footy (apart from highlights), and have just seen one trial of Jake.
Yet here we have the highest rated under 20 prop and hooker in the country who have been joined by the 2018 NSW U18s captain (a side which featured Tommy Talau, Jock Madden and Stefano).
These are all guys who would have been sought after by plenty of clubs (we know about the hissy fit from the Eels over Stefano), yet we got them. Its been a decade since anything like this would have happened. Also keep in mind the clubs we got them from.
Stefano from Parra who have been top 4 two of the last three years
Simpkin from Brisbane who wanted to keep him, yet he moved after they resigned Jake Turpin
Blory from Penrith who pride themselves on keeping local juniours
Any time over the past decade can you imagine us beating these clubs for an in demand young player?
Now we know these kids could all flop, yet thats not really the point. It's showing that our club is no longer a last resort for players. In Maguire, Hartigan (who I believe is behind a lot of this), Hapipantelis and the new COE our club is now becoming an option. You start with the gun kids and then as it improves onfield the genuine stars look at you. Finally our club seems to be turning the corner.
The club is in best place it has been for a long time. These signings are all very impressive.
By the looks of things there are 26 contracted players for next year
Outside backs
Douehi
Thompson
Cini
Nofoaluma
K Bradley
Talau
Hoffman
BJ Leilua
Mbye
Momirovski
Halves
Brooks
Reynolds
Madden
Walters
Hookers
Liddle
Simpkin
Middle Forwards
Aloiai
Musgrove
Mikaele
Packer
Twal
Utoikamanu
Edge
Garner
L Leilua
Blore
Chee Kam
Assume also that of those off contract none are re-signed (you could make a case for Benji and Seyfarth but park that for a moment)
Of that group of contracted players my observations are:
- We're light on for edge backrowers. We'd need to sign someone with experience to provide leadership
- We could really do with some size and experience in the backs. There isn't a place for short wingers in the modern game. Thompson and Nofoaluma types are not all that attractive under the high ball.
- you'd have to say its unlikely Josh Reynolds is still around in '21 though there isn't a great deal of experienced halves available for next season. I wouldn't want a rookie playing alongside Brooks
- the hooking battle between Liddle and Simpkin will be interesting and that is assuming Grant does return to Melbourne.
With the last 4 spots I would suspect we see:
Seyfarth
One experienced half - two if Reynolds is moved on.
2 edge back rowers - one of rep standard the another who has played 100+ NRL games
I think its a given that Lawrence, McQueen, Smith, Mcintyre, Eisenhuth and Jennings are all let go.
Taylor may have long term value if the game does quicken up and we move back to smaller forwards with better fitness. Reduction in interchange may also help his cause.
Stil plenty of water to pass under the bridge this season of course.
