Thought Lawford went fine tbh but he only got the odd match after sitting 4/5 out. It would be a challenge for any player to get consistency with that never mind a young lad at 7. The ACL though will have set him back though it will give him oppprtunity to work on his core and upper strength in preperation for next season. There is something there with Lawford but it may be a few years before he’s truly ready.

With that I can see us bringing in another half or 2.

Trueman would be a risk but one that could pay off because he has some potential in there but needs the right environment and coaching. If we could get him alongside Gale this season and with our coaching set up and fitness team it could be a huge step for next years preperation.

I can see value in it.

As for Lino, happy for his to remain this season as at this level he’s good and certainly a top end championship player. If we step up though he’d be far from guaranteed a starting shirt.

He’s only till end of 2025. Signed for 2923/2024 at Cronulla do next season is his last. Perhaps afterwards the lure of playing with his brother might open up an opportunity.

Most likely as you say unless we use the marquee spot with some serious coin pumped in it won’t happen.

I wonder who this prop is or even if it’s a prop at all. I’d have thought we’d be looking at a second rower or 9 if anything.

When you say 'lucky'. Do you mean he spotted those three players when others didn't want them and built a team that would go from very bottom before he took over to 4th in one season and then 5th, 5th, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 4th.
Yes maybe he was lucky. I hope he's as lucky with us.

It would be an amazing signing Braden, he’s a top line front rower. Not sure who the NRL prop is, I got wound up the other day we were signing Kurt Capewell!! There will be a lot of names flying about, especially with teams like Parramatta, South Sydney etc getting new coaches and refreshing their rosters. I know it’s a long shot but I believe big Reegan Campbell-Gillard is being shopped about, imagine that!!

Assuming they're off contract, I'd guess it'd be one of Peter Hola (Raiders), Liam Knight (Bulldogs), Makahesi Mankato (Eels) or Martin Taupau (Broncos). Outside chance of Jordan McLean or Matt Lodge. I'd like it to be Knight.

I'd also prefer an out-and-out line-running second rower. Not loads of top class ones about, but I really like Jack Williams at the Sharks. Absolute workhorse but can also run good lines.