BigTime wrote:So far we’ve announced two are staying. Probably time to hear some more good news. I also think that whilst the jury is still out on some of our late doors recruits it would be good to know Butler is staying and the sp with the 4 overseas recruits. One assumes Whare and Norman are only to the end of the season. The latter in particular will be a loss so I hope we have our recruiting hats on. Broncos must be a more attractive option to players after this season which is some good news. If we can make a decent start next season it could be a good one. Alternatively we could all picking splinters out of our backsides perched on rotten ‘seating’ at Roslyn Park. Happy days.
I would hope to hear some positive news on retention before the end of the regular season. I guess its difficult for the club to get players to re-commit at this time of year, particularly the overseas contingent and whilst I'm not sure anyone would be spirited away by a SL club, there will surely be interest from the other established Championship clubs. You would also assume whichever club falls out of SL would be able to offer a full time environment, which is a consideration.
Would very much like to see us keep a hold of Whare and Norman and the fact they don't appear to have deals lined up for Elite 1 yet makes me hopeful on that front. Natoli, Parata, Bassett and Ulberg have become big parts of our squad and I'd like to see them retained.
I don't think we have seen the best of Waine on a consistent basis, however I would be happy to have him go around again with the benefit of a proper pre-season and some experience at this level.
Raiwalui and Albert look to be a bit on the outer currently, however I guess we'll see how the end of season plays out and what they are able to bring.
It certainly feels as though the uptick in performances and results has made the club a more attractive proposition. We will always face the challenge of geography and cost of living in terms of recruiting from the 'heartland', however I feel we've had a decent look at how the academy player x overseas talent could work moving forward.