While I agree with the sentiment that you express here, Souths have made every possible effort off the field to ensure that this takes place. They were active in recruiting and purchased some players that at the time were thought to be a good improvement on what was there previously. They have improved training facillities, coaching, support and medical staff. Unfortunately, this year has proven that you can only do so much off the field. The Craig Wing injury hurt us but still, the team that is there is fairly close to the one that performed ok last year and still, they are not performing. In the midst of this, I think that management are still doing all that they can. It is important that the team start to put it together though as they need to show something to get the members to join again next year.
I agree with you, their effort in recruitment was misguided though. They bought up in the positions that they had covered reasonably, and neglected key areas.
Your halves are just one good example of this. Monster forward pack (although you let go one of your best in Cusack), but the backline just doesn't cut it. If Souths devoted a fraction of the coin they used to recruit the forward pack ie Kidwell and Asotasi, from the outset, they'd have a far better balanced team.
Craig Wing's injury has had no influence on your season, he is not a halfback. He is a 5/8 or hooker, Souths need a guy who can think and steer the ship, something none of your halves have.
This all on top of some bizarre positional changes from Taylor compounding their woes. Nothing is working on the field, and to be honest, Wing won't spark a change, nor will Lang. You have built a side that is stacked poorly, playing without confidence and little depth it seems. And given the state of publicity for the club, attacting new players will prove extremely difficult, as displayed by Lewis.
souffs
