I've always thought he's a natural for a modern day thirteen. If,and it's a big if, he can get past his concussion issues I think he could really put pressure on Cam Smith. I don't think Smith is a bad player but potential wise Gannon's ceiling is much higher. However, for the moment I think we need to take it one step at a time and ease him back in (bit by bit) as a bench second row.

On the pack, only two new signings are actually forwards, although two of the backs might be better at moving the ball in a yardage sense.

Nothing wrong with a smaller better quality squad until injuries/suspensions bite and we have to play the kids.
I think we are still a couple of signings short.

There's been two major problems in the last 2 years. 1 has been too many signings who were part of the squad, but would not likely be pushing for a starting spot (Roberts, Ruan, Warren, Olpherts etc.). It's created imbalance in the squad where there's too much quantity, not enough quality.

The second has been tactical, and the passive defence that has been discussed to death. The thought of Hall and Sivo bringing the ball back in place of Edgell and Lumb (though both did well for their age/size), coupled with a more aggressive defensive line will massively reduce the workload for our front row.

Our front row bar Oledski didn't do much work that was part of the problem. Agree completely about the yardage in backfield but I would be hoping for increased workload from our front considering in some cases you were lucky to get 15 minutes out of them!

I think Oledski abd Palasia starting with Lisone/ Holroyd / Jenkins on bench will give us a much better all round pack.

The FB and wings all have good go forward early sets and a fit Newman with Handley will help too.

I still think the back row is missing a hard runner but if Gannon has bulked up and health sticks that could be big for us.