Let's move on from Munster. Still plenty of opportunity for us to make some A grade recruitment & retention over the next 2 months.
The club will be posting an 'Ask the Boss' video with Tim Sheens next week so hopefully we'll hear then on which positions we are recruiting for, how our retention is progressing, game style etc.
For the sake of it, here is my current take on players we may be 'realistically' going for in a top 10 ranking list.
1 - Dylan Brown for 2024+
I've read somewhere that he would be keen to remain in Western Sydney due to family and with the Benji factor I think we are a realistic chance to gazump the Eels significantly on $$$ especially if Moses remains on an upgraded deal.
2 - Spencer Leniu for 2024+ unless Panthers really need a salary dump or we swap with Jake Simpkin as
@CCTW alluded.
Brings the speed & power we lack in the middle.
If Simpkin is swapped then Nu Brown comes into top 30
3 - David Klemmer but only if we can secure for 2023+ (and Musgrove finds a new home)
Experience/leadership & go forward.
4 - Jayd'n Sua or John Bateman for the backrow for 2023+ but only if Shawn Blore is viewed as a middle moving forward.
'A' Grade backrow addition to complement Papali'i. I'll reserve judgement on Bateman until after the World Cup given comments that his form has suffered since shoulder surgery a few seasons ago.
5 - Wade Graham for the backrow for one season in 2023 if Blore is staying in the backrow. And then Graham moves into an assistant coaching role in 2024. He has apparently been doing his coaching accred with Benji.
Used in a similar capacity as Scott Sattler in 2004 to bring professionalism & experience to the squad.
6 - (If Klemmer does not eventuate) Andrew Fifita for one season in 2023 or Mikolaj Oledski from England from 2023+ or Nathan Brown from 2023+.
I'm really keen to see how Oledski goes in the World Cup as he has the profile & determination to be a success in the NRL.
Only considering Brown if we move away from the Hastings at lock plan & use 3 go-forward middles again as CCTW mentioned.
7 - Brad Parker for 2023+ (only if AD relents and does not want to focus on Centre and signs elsewhere for 2024+)
Strong runner & very good defensively on the edge. I see similar type to Tom Opacic.
8 - Charlie Staines for 2023+
What position he ultimately plays depends on us securing Dylan Brown & the future of Daine Laurie (position and club).
9 - I really want to see our Development Squad as Matamua, Kautoga, Api Saukuru, Josh Feledy, Jordan Miller, Chris Faagutu & one of Dudley Dotoi, Mikey Tannous or Jahream Bula
10 - I'd love to see Henry O'Kane, Liam Scolari, Kade Hill, Jordan Hill, Atasi James, Christain Ma'anaima, Jack Boyling, Brandon Webster-Mansfield & Zane Camroux retained on T&T deals.