I don't really care what anyone else does, our system has proven that if we have our house in order, no one can go with us. The Storm + Uto & NAS look the most likely for sure at this stage.
Outside Backs - McLean in for Turuva I think will be a lateral move. If Casey improves as much as he did this year then we'll have the best backline of the whole dynasty period.
Edge Forwards - Papali'i in for Sorenson is a big in. It's an upgrade on the starter and it means our depth is way better. We shouldn't be playing with 9 middles in a game next year...
Middle Forwards - No two ways about it, Fish going is a loss. But. Smith's last month gives you a lot to be positive about, he took some good steps. Sorenson adds better impact off the bench and Henry in his second year has improvement in him so it could be a more well rounded 80 minute middle rotation than the big drop offs we suffered in the middle 40 this year. If Leota was carrying an injury, hopefully some improvement there.
Halves - Real unknown. Whether we go with Talagi/Cole our season will be defined by Nathan's fitness. I can see both developing nicely into the limited role that Luai occupied in 22/23, but if he's out, we'll struggle against the better sides with a rookie 5/8 and a backup quality halfback.
Depth - Better, no major losses and the young guys are that bit more prepared. Eiso still there to do his thing. McLean ready to go, Cole/Talagi won't be in the starting 13 and will be big additions during Origin. Patea & Geyer have also come along towards being good fill ins.
Verdict - I think we'll definitely start slow again, but we've got great talent replacing our outgoing stars. The balance of the side will be a fair bit better with less square pegs in round holes, particularly in the forwards. With Papali'i on the left, hopefully a stable centre and new 5/8, we have a real opportunity to actually use that edge consistently. We swung from being left dominant in 20-22 to right dominant in 23-24. While we might not bully as much territory without Fish, if we can have both edges humming, we'll be far better at converting our opportunities.
