As long as his salary demands are reasonable and not an increase on his current contract offering Austen 2 years to me seems a no brainier. On his game he's outstanding and even when not as his best always gives 100% effort indeed his poorer games have been when he has no partner and tries too hard to do everything. I suspect there's a number of times he's put his hand up and played busted as well as he seems to return quickly when injured unlike Sezer who is made of glass.
In terms of the rest of the squad I think there is enough cap capacity to fill the key gaps with retention if we are sensible.
I would retain Fusitua if his salary is at a reduced level as this frees up some cap space and statistically along with Mcdonald and Handley they make real yards coming out of defence.
Potentially Martin may play another year at centre with Newman Simpson Mcdonald. Goudrmand replaces Donaldson and backfills Martin.
We will have Tet and Sezer money and quota spots plus Leeming money and any savings from fusitua.
Bentley either stays on same terms or goes and is replaced.
From this we need a quality 7 and a prop holding back a bit of contingency money for a full back in 2025 where Myler and Martin off contract plus free quota spot.
