I disagree.
Is there really a difference between a four peat and a 5 peat?
Secondly, if you think he could be a great, you should already think he is after what he’s done by your logic ou described.
However,
I’m definitely not alone in thinking that he is the beneficiary of the system and not a key player in it. Look how many people, including me, think he’s riding Clearys coattails.
So if, he steps out of his comfort zone, and then lifts tigers to glory.
he will TRULY shut people up and will go down as a great.
Whilst being in top 5 richest in the game.
easy choice.
I think this is a real motivating factor for Luai.
$6m for 5 years is big money for any player to knock back. Whilst the Tigers have been very poor in recent years, they have a very strong forward pack. I think Utoikamanu has amazing agility for such a big man and that he'll develop into one of the best middles in the game sooner rather than later. Throw in the likes of Klemmer, Bateman, Papalii and Koroisau and rounded out by some honest toilers like Twal and Seyfarth and some up and comers like Fainu, Pole and Matamua (this kid has real potential), it isn't a wooden spoon forward pack. I would think this signing means Blore's departure is now a formality.
Shane Richardson has also manoeuvred teams astutely in similar situations in the past.
Whilst they lack firepower in the backs there were some green shoots with Bula and Tupou. They need a resolution to their halves situation. Luai may look at this as his opportunity to earn himself a reputation as a great half which will always elude him at the Panthers because his partner is such a dominant force. I think the Tigers will improve and, if he can steer them even further up the ladder, there's a solid chance he'll earn more respect as a player than he will staying where he is, even if he is collecting premiership rings.