We should sign Head & a back up for him. Head is clearly the most talented half-back available on the market & if he avoids injury he could be prove to be a sensational signing. That's a big "if" considering recent history, so you'd have to try & get a back up player who has first grade experience in the halves but won't command big dollars. Players like Witt, Williams, Morris, & possibly even Seymour.
We can cover Skandalis' loss as we have a fair few props now ready to aim up - Gibbs, O'Hara, Payten, Galloway, plus developing prospects like Moa & Saffy.
Laffranchi is our biggest loss & can only be replaced by someone like Simpson, Creagh,or possibly Stagg.
Lyon is not needed as a pivot. If you put him at 5/8 you then have to move Marshall to half-back, which is a role he is not yet ready to take on. Marshall will make a great half-back one day but he is still learning the game & needs more time.
As a centre Lyon would be a welcome addition but would cost too much. We have the 3/4s well covered but for greater depth I'd look at Luke Macdougall or Pat Richards if he becomes available.
Therefore IMO the best scenario for 2007 is;
Out
Prince, Laffranchi, Skandalis, Elford, Fitzhenry
In
Head, Morris, Simpson, L.Macdougall
1. Hodgson
2. L.Macdougall
3. Collis
4. Whatuira
5. McDonnell
6. Marshall
7. Head
13. Fulton
12. Simpson
11. Galea
10. Gibbs
9. Farah
8. O'Hara
14. Halatau
15. Heighington
16. Payten
17. Lolesi
-------------
18. Galloway
19. Morris