For all the doom and gloom when you look at who we have signed it’s not been bad so far. Pele and Herman are for me both upgrades on Satae, with Pele being the one who others will wish they’d signed if he gets going. Morgan Smith always looked good to me and one of those players who really puts in a shift, has a very handy kicking game and is very strong in the tackle. He’ll fill in for Truman very well and then he is a very handy option to rotate with Houghton when Truey gets back in the halves. Walker is a very classy fullback and although his injury record isn’t great that could have just been pure bad luck. I remember Lomax battling a terrible run of injuries as a youngster and now hardly misses a game so maybe we get the same from him, let’s say we do then that’s fullback sorted with adequate cover too in young Davey Litten. Hoy is the unknown , but , what better motivation for him than seeing what Clifford has managed to get from playing well for us- Hoy must still want the NRL , so he’ll be motivated to make an impact and play well there for us. Ashworth had clearly fallen out with Watson after his decision to sign for us and I think he too will have a big point to prove, he adds some size too and I don’t see our pack being bossed about by many when you look at the size we’ve added. I must admit that Okunbor has been unimpressive when I’ve seen him but he’s been picked consistently , starting ahead of players like Pangai Jnr for a run of games so maybe in a league that is nothing like as tough or intense he may prove the doubters wrong . There’ll be more to be announced and if we can land another good half then the squad looks better and will be without the influence of Savelio and Griffin who we are led to believe didn’t always buy in to Smiths new direction . This glass ain’t half empty anymore , it’s three quarts full . (And that’s without a beer too)

Heard Oli Pratt is now a "done deal". If the move does happen I wonder if he takes Scott's place as back up centre, with Carlos moving to SR?

Not too the detriment of Wakecoke I hope?

With the injury record of Carlos, Sutcliffe and Scott (not so much this season), think both will get some gametime

Dean Hawkins has signed a 12 month extension at Souths.

Custs agent had discussions with Wests and SGI.

Odds on us getting Wakeham?

Hawkins would have been my preferred choice. Let's hope it's true about Sailor

So our recruitment is looking like this Ese’ese - step up on Evans

Pele - looks more devastating than Satae

Okunbor - anyone a step up on Joey and Lane right now. Plays every week.

Ashworth - grand final winning prop who is also a step up on Evans

Tindall - huge shoes to fill but has age on his side

Smith - better than Dwyer and Ben Mac in one player.

Diakhate - I imagine he will sign and looks a unit, bit of a project

Oil Pratt - don’t know loads about him but young cover

Quota 7/6/1/9 - who know who or what this will be. Likely sailor who has a spark

Domestic back row - assuming we’ll bring someone in, probably from the champ

When you break it down, our weaknesses this year has been the lack of size in the pack. You certainly won’t be able to say that next year. With DH going around again I’d be content with the side if we can sign a handy 7 and a backrower to give lane a spell in the reserves.

Not exactly as doom and gloom as everyone is making out

Connor Watson not signed a new deal yet.

Jake turpin released from the Roosters too

Turpin has signed for us according to that reliable source wikipedia!

Turpin can tackle but he isn't really creative is he? I know he started as a half, but he didn't really impress at Brisbane and , obviously not The Roosters. Watson may have been one of their "under review" squad members, after a very underwhelming season, so that one may not yet be a dead duck?

Who is left,

Wakemam
Volkman
Brown
John's
Turpin (Thought he had signed for the dogs)
Watson (Sure I've read he had signed a new 2 year 2 deal)

Unless it's Watson or Volkman, I'd be looking at a one year deal only.

Think Sailor might be the best choice.