I don't see us making any major signs for 2024, as others have pointed out we'll probably get Tracey and Curran, unless the dogs offer Curran more dollars, which will be great, because I don't think Curran is the type of player we should be focusing on. Yes he is decent, but how many more players do we need that have had off field issues. Flanno is going to build the forward pack from within through the likes of Viliami Fifta, Alec Tuitavake and the Couchman twins, which is highlighted by the fact that he is bringing them in early for pre-season training. The fact is, our forward pack isn't all that bad as we've seen them compete against the top 8 teams towards the back end of the season, its fitness and the hunger to win that's f**ked us and Flanno will bring that as he isn't going to take any bullshit.
With Su'a all but confirmed to leave next year and Koloamatangi re-signing with souths, Flanno's attention will turn to Siua Wong, Sitili Tuponiua, Angus Crichton, Brendan Piakura or Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, if we can get 1 or 2 of these players and either Fifta or Tuitavake kick on then our pack is looking a hell of a lot more dangerous in attack.
Mind you we have three of the most highly touted forwards coming through our SG Ball squad in Jacob Halangahu, Finau Latu, and Loko Pasifiki Tonga, with the ladder already featuring in a couple of NSW Cup games this year. They're all still a year or 2 away from cracking the first grade squad, but when they do expect them to cement a spot in the 17.
Our real problem is the halves, Suli's centre position, Feagia's wing position and fullback. Hunt can f**k off, the way he has been sooking has turned me off him, I get wanting to move closer to family, but you've been signed to do a job, so do what the rest of us have to do and do it. For me Deardon should be our priority to replace him and for 5/8 pending what happens with Amone, f**k knows as Luia and Mam realistically aren't coming our way. Suli does my head in because he is so powerful in attack, but can't defend to save his life, same with Feagia, haven't seen a fella so keen to rush up from his wing, its as if someone called time for last drinks on a Friday night. Wouldn't mind seeing Tamale and Finau filling in for those two. As for fullback, I'd love nothing more for sloan to start killing it as he is full of promise, but lacks in defence and consistency, I feel if he is going to play first grade next year its going to be on the wing, just so he can build his confidence and learn is trade as he is still so young. Lomax isn't the long term answer, but will do the job.