At least we're in a position where we won't have to pay overs on a long-term deal for someone out of desperation. There might be some value in signing another reserve hooker on a short-term deal, as we're down to the bones there now. I thought O'Connor might make a hooker before he was given a go there. I'm less convinced we can rely on Bentley having played there as a kid, which is something Smith has referenced a few times about other players, and I'm not sure it holds up in practice. Really though young Johnson needs to be given a crack. We need to find out once and for all whether he'll make it.
Our focus for next year must be about quality for the spine. It will be a bit annoying if we have to add hooker to that list as well. Leeming may not be a superstar (or as good as he thinks?) but with him in the squad it was the strongest spine position. Now that's looking shaky as well....
