Father Ted wrote:This season we've had an underpowered pack which had in it players like,
Fielden, Coley, Feka, Prescott & O'Carroll as our props. That front row has been second best in too many games and that's why we've won so few. We very obviously needed another big powerful prop and this need was identified well prior to the start of the season. He never arrived.
Noble will have identified the men he wanted so why haven't they been signed? It seems we've signed in every position but where the priority lay, prop forward.
Coley is OOC and it looks like Bailey will be leaving, after Tuesday we may well have lost Gaz Hock. That is a lot of experience and skill which won't be around next year.
We still need one prop for this year, if Coley goes we need two for 2010.
Should neither Hock & Bailey be here next year we need an experienced 2nd row to complement the younger player/s who may come in. Surely we'll go for a player such as Puletua, Fakir or Lauatiti. We need the type of bulk, power and skill that those guys provide.
So at the moment it looks like we will need two props, an experienced 2nd row with a younger player coming into the squad, perhaps Flanagan, Farrell or Mossop. Then of course there's the quality half back that is also a priority.
In an ideal scenario, we would get all four, however, I think we'll only be able to get 3 and I'd personally say we absoultely need a front line prop and a half back.
Which means we're probably going to have to chose one of a second prop or a second rower. Looking at each of these positions, where do we think we are strongest?
Props: NEW PROP, Fielden, Paleaaesina, O'Carroll, Prescott, Davies (possibly?)
Back Row: O'Loughlin, J Tomkins, Hansen, Mossop, Farrell, Flanagan
If the prop we sign is a leader and whose experience can really help develop the three youngsters then I think we should go for the second rower who, as you say, should be in the Puletua/Lauatiti mould so the young back rowers can also learn from a specialist in this position who has great experience.
Quote:IL & BN have their work cut out finding that lot. Money and quota spots may well not be the problem, finding the right player could be difficult.
Certainly salaries shouldn't be a problem. Bailey's, Coley's and Hock's wages should easily be able to afford a new prop, half back and back rower.
I'd say quota spots though may be an issue, as potentially all three signings would probably only be found in Aus (presuming we don't sign Myler). To be honest though, I haven't a clue about quotas for next year with all the chaging of the rules etc.
) then we'll have to wait for his contract to end i think so price would be a perfect signing for us
