Taken a bit to think about, taking into account we have some good coin, we need to spend but without going way over the top and utilizing some talent we have.
What I think could be “half” realistic with targets, and start us towards being competitive under a new coach would be-
1 Averillo
2 Smith
3 Hopoate
4 Staggs or Farnworth or DWZ
5 DWZ or Coates or Saab
6 Burton or Foran
7 Foran or Wakeham
8 To’Omaga
9 Grant or B Smith
10 Welch
11 Jackson
12 Bateman
13 Thompson
14 Wakeham
15 Elliot
16 Tolman
17 Napa
18 RFM
19 Stimson (Get him fit ffs!!!)
20 Ogden
21 Tass
22 Katoa (hooker)
23 Katoa (the young outside back we have)
The first name is my ideal team with all targets obtained. The names after are the back up plans.
I’d target a hooker / centre (if not, a good winger not on marquee dollars) / backrower / good honest prop. Also, a quality kid in the halves.
Fullback I’ve seen enough flair from Averillo to think that provided his defence is worked on and he bulls slightly more, he certainly has the game breaking and ball playing ability to have a good crack there.
I’d target the below in this order per position
+ Centre - Staggs then Farnworth. They can’t keep them all
+ Winger - if we don’t get a centre, then DWZ to centre and go first Coates then Saab. If we get a good centre then DWZ is a quality winger - not fullback! Also, between Staggs, Farnworth and Coates surely Broncos can’t keep them all.
+ Half - Burton. He’s a goer. If we can’t get him then it’s Wakeham. I reckon Wakeham could be a good 14 for the team. Chances are he would get a few games In The halves too with Foran’s record.
(( I think we must re sign a Foran for a cheaper deal. When he’s on, he’s our go to in the big moments))
+ backrow - Bateman.
+ front rower - Welch.
Thompson looks like he’d be a better lock.
The JMK and Lewis experiments are surely over now....
My 2 cents anyway....