I don't think it's quite fair to say Kearney left Stuart with this roster - the retirements of Hindmarsh and Burt, Tahu's implosion and Grothe's retirement (not to mention Cayless') were all out of Kearney's control. He tried to lure players but was unsuccessful (aside from luring then-Origin representative Willie Tonga and an attacking weapon in Sandow). He also got Lussick from Manly.
Whether or not Kearney was right or wrong, our side has been a rabble for some time. We made the Grand Final in 2009, but the side massively over-achieved - there was a sprinkle or two of class throughout the side, but overall, it was an ordinary side being propelled by the greatest purple patch of red-hot form I have seen from an individual.
Our only hope is that Peni Terepo and some other young blokes step up next year. Personally, I think we have a decent forward pack on paper if things go our way:
8. Mannah
9. Keating
10. Lussick
11. Smith
12. Loko
13. Maitua
14. Smith
15. Ryan
16. Terepo
17. Moimoi
A lot of variables there, but potentially, that could be a decent pack. Jacob Loko is destined to end up in the back-row, what with his knees undoubtedly affecting his speed and agility. This is a good thing - he's a monster and a great ball-runner, and running out wide, he could cause all sorts of headaches.
Lussick is big and aggressive - for this reason alone he is better than any prop we used this year.
I think with Moimoi aging, he is better coming off the bench at tired defences. As for Terepo, he's an untested player, but he has potential.
I do not think we can do much next year, but I hope to see the emergence of Terepo and Loko move into the back-row - both moves which will benefit us in the long-term.
