Willie mason failed ?

Remember though that Dobson, Withers and O'Hara are all currently non-fed exempt. Paterson's likely and Paea's confirmed departure free up 2 spots, Mika possibly a third. Which is 60% of the quota, but then you're trying to replace 4 major contributors with 3 spots. Not too bad, but as you say the ooc list is deeply uninspiring.

Dobson being our goal kicker and captain means a couple more things to consider.

A pretty major reconfiguration is in the pipeline and it is going to be a challenge.

I think we're okay for outside backs, but 1 (ideally 2) pivots and a small handful of forwards will be a must.

Considering how rubbish most of the SL OOC players are, it can't be hard to find overseas players who are better, even reserve graders from the NRL will likely be better. Unless there is another player who has ruined his career in Oz, it's unlikely you'll get another player of the quality of burns to replace dobson

Which had no relevance to your point? I see.

We'll only have Burns, Tui & possibly Mika left as overseas players, so at least 2 places free. Lovegrove doesn't count does he?

Not convinced by Carlile. Depends what's available but don't think he's been offered a deal yet? One of Withers' assets is he covers half-back, which a lot of modern day hookers do. A 7/9 utility would be ideal imo.

Paea, O'Hara & Paterson need straight replacements. Plus we're a player light in the back row this season (why we've taken Ferguson on loan & re-signed Netherton).

Outside backs just about ok but guess we'll release Latus & Heil & not sure what the plan is with Caro. We've had to take George on loan & Horne has spent too much of the season filling in at centre for me. Another body would be good.

Imo we already have a replacement for Paterson and thats Lovegrove.

Performed excellently in the left 2nd row whilst Paterson was crocked and suspended.

Prop, half back and utility forward would be on my list assuming Carlile is offered a deal if not then a hooker also

Captain will be either lovegrove, josh or burns.

Wont it be Wellam ?

Rhys has been outstanding on the left but he's already part of an over stretched back row. Still need to replace Paterson & bring another in imo. Good shout for Captain though.

I think burns will be captain. Hes probably our most vocal player and doesnt care about fronting up as we know!

True, but Lovegrove is playing anyway, so you need a replacement for him. Tbf, the way it ideally works is Cox steps up and Ollet or Esslemont fills in when needed until they in turn...

I think we need at least 3 experienced forwards, even assuming best case with somebody like James Green. Maybe more if Griffin (whose not been involved much lately, now i come to think of it) and/or Horne and/or Netherton aren't retained. Looking at the ooc list there's a lot to be said in their favour.

Griffs not been involved coz he has had an injury but returned to full training this week,i hope we retain him, he has huge potential imo.

Bloody hell yeah, forgot about him, even worse at how he's playing in the nrl last season and this season

That's the one!! Hahah

Elliott Whitehead proves you know diddly about anything.
Now run along before you make another idiot of yourself.