In regards to the 2014 side...
I can definitely appreciate what Ivan is trying to achieve, even if a few of the signings wouldn't have been my first choice. I've said before that the success of 2014 will hinge on minimising any liabilities in the team. We've shown in 2013 that we can play real solid, safe, 101 football and I expect to see more of that in 2014.
Grant, McKendry, Plum and Kite have been criticized collectively for being a very one dimensional forward pack, but the four of them are capable of being a wall of strength for us. Kite is a proven worker, and Plum has shown that he's more than just a great defender when Grant was out. There will be no drop off in intensity with our rotation, and that will make a huge difference.
Kingston and Wallace are not spectacular performers, but they are safe and I think that they will both fit in well with Cleary's plans. Our props will make room for these two, whose primary objectives will be to give safe deliveries to their outsiders. Nothing more, nothing less. At times, Brisbane had Wallace playing a more creative, dominant role than he is made for. Neither are liabilities in defence.
Soward has a lot of pressure on him. His performance is probably the most crucial in 2014, as everything sort of revolves around him creative-wise. His kicking game should be a relief in pressure though, something we've really lacked. And he's got the ability to keep the opposition in two minds. No matter how you look at it, Soward and Wallace are going to be a better combination than Walsh and John. Soward's defence is admittedly one of the bigger aforementioned liabilities in the side.
12 months ago, I probably wouldn't have pictured Simmons as my choice winger, but him and Whare have been outstanding. Whare is also one of the best defensive centres in the comp in my opinion. Roberts' handling leaves something to be desired, but him and Naiqama might be the fastest outside back combination in the comp. They should be absolutely explosive.
I am a big fan of Josh Mansour, but after time I've come to the conclusion that if our forwards are making the meters they should be making, Josh won't have to. That said, he would be my #1 replacement and I'm glad to have him around. I suspect we'll see some of him in 2014.
James Segeyaro should play 50+ minutes next year, even if Kingston has to play 10+ minutes in the back row. Hoping he's back ASAP.
Our backrow is just explosive. Give Manu, Brown, Peachy and Taylor room to move and we can really address our biggest problem of 2013 - we could get into the oppositions 20, but we don't come away with the points as often as we should. We've got the side to let these guys thrive a little more IMO.
We have an explosive football side on paper for 2014. Segs, Peachy, Taylor, Naiqama, Roberts, Manu, Brown and Soward will be some of the most exciting players to watch next year, and I'm as excited as I've ever been for the upcoming season. We realistically should finish in the bottom half of the 8*. I'll be happy with a finals berth.
