Penny could be a success if Smith could only put his ego to one side and drop Russell.

Not sure how anyone can criticise the recruitment for 2017, we signed 2 England internationals, one of Wigan's GF winning props who was arguably one of the more consistent players during the season and an up and coming second row who maybe by his own marketing is being tipped as a future NRL recruit but has come with big praise as an upcoming star. When you look at how they have performed you can moan, but not about the quality of recruit at the time of signing.

My club contacts say that Sandow was a nightmare to prepare for every single match, and to manage seven days a week, so TS can't be blamed for not trying.

Agree with this, on paper the squad is stronger this season. Big question marks against why it's going wrong and we aren't seeing the best of these players. We've had injuries but they shouldn't have led to what we are seeing on the pitch.

Completely agree with this, we have massively strengthened our squad from last year so the recruitment side can't really be to blame (for this season anyway) Really just can't but my finger on why it's gone wrong, people keep pointing fingers as they need someone to blame (like Brown) but most of the Squad are playing crap as opposed to just one player causing issues.
I'm hoping we further strengthen for next year and we pull our fingers out. Kevin Naiqama would be an ideal Centre for me, he's off contract again so I would make a play for him.
Mose Masoe is looking to return and I would snap him up, BUT he is out for the season with a knee injury so not 100% sure on him as he has had quite a few knee injuries.
For a half I honestly have no idea, as we all know quality halves are in short supply so i'm not sure on that one at all.
And I would love to keep penny and get him on the Wing again or make a play for Jorge Taufua who we were reportedly looking at last season if Smith lets him go.

And Stam. But the only one he didn't adequately replace, in the end, was Keane. Smith's succession planning over the last two or three years has been extremely questionable, to say the least.