I probably wouldn’t have signed him either but I know why he was signed and that was the fact he could play fullback, wing and centre. At the time he was signed we were short in those positions, but things changed quickly with the emergence of Edwards and Blake and Peta never set the world of fire.
I’m not sure Peta Hiku signing then being released less than 18 months later had any real impact on the players released early or not resigned. From 2016 only Sowie & Elijah Taylor were released mid season and neither had anything to do with Peta Hiku. At the end of that season the club chose to not resign Will Smith, both Jennings boys, Latimore and a few others but those decisions had nothing to do with Peta Hiku. He may have been a dud signing but cost us nothing as it turned out.
I’m really gonna miss Trent Merrin, Peach and CHN and will not enjoy seeing them play against us in 2019 & beyond but I understand the reasons why they were released, they have benefited personally and the overall benefits to our club & roster is what comes first.
All I can say is if our club continues to develop outstanding young talent at the rate we are producing well you had better get used to the concept of early releases because there will be more each and every season going forward.