Agree. Making short term decisions because we think we have only 2-3 years to win seems like a good way to end up in the bottom four 6 years from now.
We could’ve offered Api more after missing kikau, I’m glad we didn’t tbh, we can be a top four team for a lot longer than 2-3 years if we are smart and disciplined with our cap, paying more than we think a player is worth cause we think we only have a couple years to be a threat is just not smart. And I’ll say this again, there’s every chance Api in 2024 is nowhere near what he was in 2021.
He was awesome in 2020. He didn't get going this year. Very stop start season. Still had some very good games but not as consistent.
Hodgson was the best hooker in game 2-3yrs ago. Api could follow a similar path.
Smart and strong clubs don't need to take risks and pays overs for guys. Weak clubs have no choice.
Is Mahoney a risk? At 650k and only 1 excellent season plus a shoulder reco and a small body you'd say yes.
Is Api a risk? He has had far more seasons playing at a high level but his age could be an issue.
Kikau is a risk due to his tendency to slack off