Would largely agree with this.
Having new ownership on board is only the first (significant) step on the road back to the top.

But, as you say, games (and trophies) are ultimately won on the pitch not the boardroom, and right now we are clearly still some way off the pace in that regard and 2025 still looks like it will be a bit of a slog to watch, although hopefully no where near as dispiriting as 2024 was to sit through!

The key now comes in the brains trust, and that means specifically Myler and Cartwright, starting to make the right decisions at the right time concerning the right people. And this is no where more pertinent than in player recruitment going forward. Our hands are fairly tied in the immediate, but if we are to make any decent progress up the ladder then our player additions for 2026/27 have to be way more inspired than they have been in recent years, which obviously left a lot to be desired!!

The proof is in the pudding, as the old saying goes! All the positivity and new start investment will quickly fritter away if we don't see improvements on the field which, as you say, is ultimately what only matters in sport.
I'm more hopeful than I was six months ago (hell, even six days ago!) but we still need to see how this pans out before we start revving up the open-top bus once more for a trophy parade

Fash is contracted for 2026 …

Obviously we’ll have to see how Fash starts the season, however I’d doubt he’ll make the first 17 and will be on the fringe.

Unless there’s a marked improvement in performance and his discipline I can see him being one of the next players moved on. I can’t imagine our new owners/DoR/Coach are going to sit on their hands and put up with any non performing players next season.

He’ll probably get plenty of games still, Ashworth struggled with injuries and Sao will no doubt have disciplinary issues. Also Asiata, who knows how he’ll fair games/minutes wise.

That’s why it’s important to get another forward in, so the likes of Fash aren’t playing out of necessity most weeks.

I thought Myler was quite good.

I’m expecting our discipline to be much improved next season. No excuses. Ligi and Fash were woeful in that aspect last season and it can no longer be tolerated. I doubt many teams win a game when have a player sin binned or sent off, especially in the first 60 mins.

I trust a fitter squad will also reduce some of the injuries. Although some will always occur in a full on contact sport.