Quote: MorePlaymakersNeeded "If Mikaele had left at the end of 2022, then I would have been totally indifferent, but he's been a different player this year, both as a starting prop and off the bench. This feels like a bit of a hole to try and fill, and like Tom, we could recruit a young fringe NRL prop that takes time to find their feet. Bringing someone in during this season, may not necessary have the immediate impact that we need, and that can apply to more experienced and well known players as well. If the right player came available then happy days, but we could have to wait until 2024 to get the right replacement. It's a shame we've lost him, and feels like an important a loss as Greg Mackey was when he left for Hull, or maybe, I'm just getting carried away with his performances over the first seven games.'"
The difference between this season and last is that last year we needed a prop to come in, be a regular starter and basically hit the ground running - this time we need someone who can come in just to provide much needed depth to the squad, they won't necessarily make the 17 every week, but will provide adequate cover in games where we feel we can give Vaughan, and Kasiano a rest, or less time on the pitch during a game.