Probably right. Hope we’re all wrong!

I understand that we have two remaining quota places left. Please correct me if I'm wrong. One will be used for a full back and the other I'm guessing will be a centre.

For me I'd be very satisfied with Sailor and Lafai/Leutele. Any players of lesser quality would be disappointing as I find some of the players already signed pretty underwhelming.

What are your realistic hopes and expectations?

I think Sailor will be one. Wouldn't be surprised to see Tese Niu - both players that Cartwright will have coached

So the side could look like this:

Sailor
Briscoe
Hardaker
Niu
Martin
Trueman
Abdull
Ese'Ese
Cust
Sao
Holmes
Cartwright
Asiata

Lane
Balmforth
Fash
Ashworth

That would leave depth players such as Moy, Barron, Aydin, Charles, Staveley, Jebson, Litten and players such as Armstrong and Wainhouse who haven't featured yet due to injury.

I think we do need a couple of backs, perhaps Dawson will step up, and rumours of the York winger could be true

I still think we might try offload Trueman to Wakey, they'll need a better half next year, Trueman hasn't been brilliant for us and he's stupidly on marquee money, if we release him, the Cust signing makes a lot more sense.

Sailor would be ideal as he’s got the pace we need and can play fullback or 6. I think he’s still contracted though and maybe still fancies his chance of NRL minutes so won’t be an easy deal to do. Think he could have a Kelly like impact in SL and possibly even better suited to playing 6 over here, would allow Moy/Litten a bit of game time at fullback.

That makes a lot of sense.

Signing a player as a marquee who had yet to fulfil his early potential with a worrying injury history was one more example of how poorly the cap was managed.

Yeah, I can see Trueman being allowed to leave. Would still be disapointed if Cust is seen as the replacement 6 though. Next to Abdull, we need an explosive, quick number 6

Dream scenario..
Trueman to Wakey.
Sao off-quota. 5 years rule.
Return of Clifford.

I like it. In fact I like it a lot !!

No point in getting rid of Trueman unless we have a replacement signed up and replacing him without a quota spot would be near impossible. Unless we kept Walker or went with Litten/Moy/Hardraker as full backs.

I'd keep him, see how he goes with better players and a hopeful off season. Think Charles will be ready for 2026, so got a ready made replacement.

I think Trueman will go decent next year IF (and I know it's asking a lot based on previous) he can complete this season then have a full pre season for the first time since joining us.
Posted on the game thread but I really do think he still looks nervous when running the ball and going into contact. I think ability wise he's more than good enough but until he gets confidence back in his body we won't see near the best of his ability.
It's just a big gamble with him. If we do get a chance to offload him elsewhere then I wouldn't blame the club for doing it.

Charles has got lots of potential but I agree, he'll get more game time next season but won't be a regular until 2026.

Cannot see Clifford returning given his wife is due to give birth in December. They seem very happy back home with their families.

And the fact, they have lost Townsend.