The point is Lussick was classed as a NSW cup level hooker or borderline NRL one. Yet we looked ok with him. We could probably sign him back up for about the 200-250k range.
I want Mahoney to stay but what is his cost? If it is 700k I think it is borderline overs. I would of thought around 500k is his worth. At 700k you need to think how much extra value he adds over a Lussick level.
If I build a good side it is like this and in order. When I say good I mean origin level or close.
1. 2 X STRONG PROPS
2. A good halfback
3. 1 X LINE BREAKING 2ND ROWER
4. An explosive and creative Fullback
5. A creative back with some X factor. Centre or wing.
6. A Good hooker.
After that you just fill areas but these 7 should be filled before you look at other positions improving.
If you don't have a good pack going forward, A halfback who can direct the play and some explosiveness out wide then I feel a great hooker becomes irrelevant. He will be unable to do a lot and just become a tackling bag. Just how I would build a side.
People may think I am crazy thinking a x factor back is more important then a good hooker but my reason being is if the defense is retreating the no 9 just needs to fire a quick pass and let the halves take control. A guy like MJ or SEMI in their primes will turn it into points. An OPACIC will not.