I'd say, until a replacement is recruited for Packer, Kerr and Lawrie are the obvious candidates for the two vacant prop positions - if they are capable of playing at first grade level. Potential prop rotation to be:
Vaughan
Ah Mau
Kerr
Lawrie
Unless Kerr or Lawrie is a real find like Vaughan was, we will really feel the loss of Packer. So the reason for testing these two props in an effort to discover the need/no need to recruit a replacement prop. I would like to see each prop be tested, coming off the bench in turn over a 3 game period, before making any recruitment decisions. Each would take Sims's place in the prop rotation.
Sims is not a prop and really never will be. He is an edge forward and should not be retained when his contract ends mainly because we have some very good young edge forwards coming through such as:
Sele
Host
Leilua
In my opinion, each of the above edge forwards have been given first grade testing. Sele and Host in my opinion seem to have passed the test. Leilua should be the next cab off the rank and when he is considered ready for testing again, should occupy the fourth place on the bench. Of the 3 backrow forwards to be promoted to first grade, Sele seems to be the most ready however, who ever it is he will have to replace Sims and so must demonstrate a superior effort to Sims.
I see Sims and Thompson not being retained at contract's end. At this stage I see Leilua taking Thompson's place and Sele taking Sims's place. Host it seems will be either on the bench - when a four forward bench is required or being ready to back up when a forward vacancy occurs through injury or rep duties.
