Finding the timing of this very interesting, a few days after the end of the financial year for club accounts.

With the covid loan behind us, are we dipping into next seasons budget abit early

Don't know anything about Royle, but at 24 doesn't seem to have really had much game time. But Saints have always been strong in the back row so can see why he wouldn't be selected for them.
Not sure what he can offer us that Jebson couldn't, and would look to be more of a depth signing than for regular 1st team, because in my opinion we should be looking for experienced, leadership type players.

Bet our scouts are busy at winless Gold Coast Titans looking for tall forwards who cant break a tackle, more hookers because you can never have enough and keen social media users who want to chat about the club online in their spare time

This just banter or genuine lol?

I think Royle has captained Saints at every age grade including first team, admittedly that was a heavily rotated team.

and winger/second rowers suspended over a schoolgirl sex scandal.

The more players from teams with sucessful cultures the better

Good pedigree to have then. Still think we need to be aiming for more experienced players, but it's sounding I likely underestimated Royle.

That's the issue with desperation signings. They will want 2 years minimum and we may not have wanted them for next year so throws 2025 recruitment up in the air a bit too!

We'll probably end up with Will Smith, Andre Savellio and Ryan Hampshire

Is that confirmed? Great news for you (and the public purse) if so.