I don't think Brown is the type of player Hook will be looking at. No doubt he has talent, however, I don't think he fits the mantra our Coach is looking for.
I still hope we are talking with Brandon Smith as I feel he is the type of player we should target as both a hooker and a lock. With the signing of Macca, the original plan was McInnes to lock and he would cover hooker if Macca couldn't see out the distance or was injured, with a lock type forward on the bench ie Fui, Merrin or Ford. With that plan out the window, and a big "what if" hanging over Macca, who is currently our back-up hooker?
As for props, I'm not sure about Merrin being signed on past this year and the same goes with Ellis although I do see some benefit in keeping him on a yearly basis. Blacker is only 21 and has a lot to learn. The ambassador role recently appointed to Jamma may prove beneficial to Blacker as would the signing of Fifita. Whatever you think of him outside of football, apparently he's a terrific mentor and club man, which of course suits the mantra Hook is after. Lastly, don't forget Jayden Hunt, who I feel is more advanced than Blacker and is under observation as he shows his work in KOE Cup over the next few rounds. I can't see any more value discussing DeBelin other than we'll know in a month where we stand.