I think the bedrock of the squad is solid. This is evidenced by the fact that we've managed to be competitive in most games this season, often losing (also winning) by small margins, and being on the back end of few blow-out scores.
On the flip-side, our spine is terrible at the moment, all the more so given exits through the season, and current injuries. It doesn't bode well when Sky highlight Cameron Smith as our main attacking threat (and they weren't far wrong either!). Rohan Smith also alluded to this. Some proper investment in the spine, and we could easily be a different team next season. The problem is that it will probably be a case of too many wholesale changes in one go, even if the players are better than we might expect at this point in the recruitment cycle.
Looking at the squad, I think we're okay outside the spine. If Newman is back we have a lot more threat in the backline, allowing Martin to return to the forwards. We might need another prop, and a more explosive back-rower, although we have Gannon to return there so the picture isn't bad at all.
Spine is the key priority.
Myler at full-back gives us continuity next season and decent attacking threat, but not a long term answer. Hooley looked a lot better but let's not kid ourselves he's the next Slater or even Webb. I'd be tempted to trial Newman in this position to get his hands on the ball more often in what remains of the season after his return, and perhaps the friendly games next season (one area that I think Smith got wrong this season that cost us early doors).
The halves are a big black hole right now. Sinfield might be a long-term answer but this is the #1 priority area for recruitment. So much is resting on this. I actually think we miss Leeming more in this area than at hooker, even if the ball didn't go wide enough.
Hooker is a bit of a conundrum. Perhaps O'Connor will be fine if the rest of the spine is filled with quality signings, with Johnson as back-up. O'Connor is developing a more full hooker's game but I'm not sure about having two very young players in this role. Certainly O'Connor seems to have too much responsibility on his shoulders and I'd like to see more of Johnson than 10 minute cameos and long stints at stand-off in what remains of the season.
I'm not privy to Hetherington's plans, but I agree that the squad has been poorly managed from Leeming's departure to Austin's spat. The most surefire way of making a signing that will count is to be prepared to make a large transfer fee to sign the right player from another UK club as we did with Schofield, Hanley, Harris and Peacock. We might pick up a French or Field if we're lucky from the lower grades in Australia but it's time for the club to show the fans and the rest of the competition its intent IMO. Over to you, El Presidente
