Really pleased with how our recruitment is shaping up.
Plenty of competition accross the back line, 3 good half options and what looks to be a ferocious pack.
It'll be interesting how the back line shapes up. I think we'll go: Shaul, Faraimo, Connor, Fonua, Naulago. Might seem harsh on Carlos (and Swift), but I think this gives us a great balance of pace, power and creativity.
We've also picked up a back up hooker. Johnstone was one of the players I would have looked to have signed when Widnes were relegated. He looked to be a more rounded player than Walker, who Wire snapped up. We've just had to wait a bit longer to get him over the line, but as he's said in his interview a year in the championship has probably helped his development. Plus he'll be an infinately better option than having to use Fash as cover.
Hopefully we can get Sao announced soon too. I didnt watch the Warriors game that he played in the other day, but looking at his stats he put in another good shift in metres wise, making 120m from 12 carries and only played 38 mins. He's also averaged over 140m a game in the NSW cup playing virtually 80 mins every game.
Ma'u played the full 80 for Para and made over 140 metres at the weekend too.
If Satae can get close to his NSW Cup stats we'll have plenty of go forward next year. Especially when you throw in Josh Jones, Griffin, Faraimo and Fonua.
The last piece in the jigsaw for me is another prop, I dont like the idea of having to use Ellis every week (if he is even going round again). It would allow us to use him sparingly and rest him up for the big games. We also don't know how Bowdens knee will hold up, didn't Radford mention if we have a short turnaround he can't play due to his knee swelling up?
But looking at the current market its slim pickings. Saints have managed it this year rotating Walmsley, Thompson, Lees, Ashworth, LMS and Amor. We don't need a super star just someone to be roated with Masi, Bowden and Ellis, and someone to give us a bit more depth if/when we pick up some injuries.
Josh Johnson is going well after he signed with Salford till the end of the season so he might be worth a look. After that its people like Amor, James Greenwood or Eddie Battye if London go down who are OOC. So might be worth having a little look in the Championship to see if anyone can make the step up.
Giving us a prop rotation of: Taylor, Satae, Bowden, Sao, Masi, Ellis?, Johnson/Amor/Another?
Unless we are planning on Bienek stepping up, but I don't really know how well he's gone at Batley this year.
Overall though the squad looks well balanced and I think we've got a great shot at winning the comp next year.
