All about balancing the cap. We can't replace a top liner with another and then have money left over for future upgrades for rising stars.
In the next 2-3 years there will be a few special kids that will debut, and they will need significant upgrades. The club needs to keep money aside.
We are development club. Any signings are usually to fill in the gaps or buy time till a junior is ready.
I don't think a single person here thinks we should go externally to replace Crichton, So in some cases it is a no brainer.
The club has never developed a hooker ever, Gower would of made a decent one. Wallace when he came back but that was due to injury slowing him down.
I have back most calls, I said we are better off since Gus left, I still think that but some calls are strange.
If Garner and Martin are fit next week, The NSW Cup edge will be 28 year old Chris Smith - who is zero chance of a long career here and Garner who some people doubt is a FG.
So if the plan is Hassett or Mav to replace from within they should be playing against fringe guys now to help the development. Instead of
Putting more plodders in their way.
Similar to what happened last year with getting Api replaced