If we have 1 roster spot to fill by 30 June, who could it be? Here is some speculation based on recent rumours & availability & likelihood.
Me thinks it will be a middle forward since it was Mikaele's departure who has created this spot and we now need to sure up our depth in this position for the remainder of the season (as I don't think T&T option Austin Dias is up to NRL standard, which leaves us Seyfarth, Pole & Tuki Simpkin).
- Matt Lodge (as much as he could add, I don't think we would from a PR standpoint & he would want to come straight into Top 17 so would have to knock out Tamou, Uto, Musgrove or Twal - could upset the applecart).
- Franklin Pele (strangely not named in any of Sharks teams last weekend & has been previously rumoured as a target, I see him as ideal as no qualms starting in NSW Cup and has ingredients we lack in the middle, would sit behind Seyfarth in the pecking order).
- Kade Dykes (based on previous rumours & would would provide that backup fullback option so T'oa can concentrate on centre/wing, has plenty of development potential & x-factor we need in the spine).
- Luke Thompson (if Bulldogs take Lodge & release Thompson. They would have to pay 50% of his salary for this season & a portion into the future. A chance if Tamou has committed to retire at season's end as provides that experience/leadership in pack).
- Jack Hetherington (not likely to return before Round 19 so we gain little for this season except it might be tempting for Jack. Gives us sureity & a backrow option into next season & time to gel with the boys).
So my top 3 likelihoods at this stage are 1 - Pele, 2 - Hetherington, 3 - Thompson.
Any others to throw into the mix that could advantage other clubs if released from their contracts?