Who said that?
I suspect planning is going on for 2021 ‘and beyond’ - but I haven’t seen anyone disregard 2021 and point to 2022?
The club hasn't signed anyone yet for 2021 and some of the best players available
Who said that?
I suspect planning is going on for 2021 ‘and beyond’ - but I haven’t seen anyone disregard 2021 and point to 2022?
The club seems to be focusing on 2022 now because several of the players they extended recently (Lewis, R Smith, C Smith) were only til the end of 2021. DWZ and Jackson were exceptions obviously as they are definitely worth keeping longer term. The club hasn't signed anyone new for 2021 and not much quality left now for 2021 (unless we happen to get David Fifita but very doubtful). We might still get Thompson though. We kept hearing the club had plenty to spend for 2021 so I don't really get why we now have to wait til 2022 it seems for decent fresh talent. Perhaps (as reported) we pursued a few for 2021 but missed out so our target shifted to 2022. It wouldn't surprise me if our plan is at the end of this season to review every player whose off contract after 2021 and then target the best new players available, plus those current players who prove themselves this year, and shed any who don't perform. There will be a few stars available to potentially negotiate in Nov this year if not extended before then by their current clubs (Tedesco, Keary, Munster, etc).
So many players are breaking contracts these days and clubs are shopping players around it seems maybe less important now to have to plan / sign new players 2 years ahead. If next off season is anything like this one there might be a lot of unexpected talent suddenly available for 2021 and 2022 after November this year