Quote: Eastern Wildcat "It's not the end of the world no,but IMG could be looking atthe league placings. Another fight near the bottom, which would mean 5 seasons in a row, could go against us. However a top 6 finish, added in with the completed east stand, and a fresher looking north stand, could make a difference. Remember 7 of our defeats last year were within a converted score, and points wise, we were closer to the play offs than going down. It really is fine margins. That bit of extra quality in the regular first teamers, could make all the difference.
I think we got lucky with Murphy, Hall and Taufua coming in for Johnstone and Toupou, so personally, those key replacements are for Miller, Fifita, Batch and Arona. I think all the other exits were really back up squad members.
Get it right for those 4 I listed, and I think we'll go OK, but as each player signs for someone else, the talent pool potentially drops a little.
Is it like those unfortunate kids at school that in PE gets picked last perhaps?'"
To me that makes no sense at all.
Funny thing is you are sort of disagreeing with yourself. If we do get Taylor and Proctor, are they not exactly the sort of short term impact players who might get us that top six for next season? As opposed to the long term investments who will come good a few years down the line? At least with Proctor you know he can play, you're not living in hope that one day he will make it.
Yes it is a balancing act.