Doueihi at 6, sorry bud you lost us all with that one! Doueihi after to acls won’t put his body on the line! Game over, it’s centre or 14 for me.Fullback - priority. Not sure the club will keep Staines and they definitely shouldn't keep Laurie, below are the options we should chase;
1 - Kaeo Weekes / Welsby / Kennedy / Nick Meany or Ryan Papz - Melbourne can't keep em all, a competitive offer and early release might secure one of them. Kaeo Weekes is the most realistic, with being off contract and a good offer could get him over- kid looks a star.
2 - Jnr Tupou, high ceiling, massive potential - should lock in this position permanently with a view to move to centre down the track
3 - Brent Naden - coming into his prime, has proven he's close to if not our best outside back. Has a contract locked in and has locked in his position in the team
4 Available, as far as I'm concerned. We need some pace. Some options I would consider, would be... Connor Tracey (Sharks), Declan Casey (Bulldogs), Brian Kelly (Titans), Kayal Iro (Sharks), Thomas Jenkins (Penrith) some early release options like Dene Mariner (Broncos), Sean Russel (Eels) or hopefully Josh Feledy is ready to go.
5 - another available position in my opinion, some of the above suggestions may work as a winger - I'd also suggest Warbrick at the Storm if they plan to move Meany to wing and he misses out. My #1 target would be Tyrell Sloane - yes I'm aware he wants to be a fullback but he's a prototype speedy winger and would be a game changer for us.
6 - Adam Douihei - #6 is his best position and with a safe 7 outside him , im sure he can go to another level. Needs to work on defence and whatnot but he is contracted for 2024 so he makes the team, for now.
7 - Dodd from St Helens would be nice... or Gee Willy, George Williams - Aiden Sezar is my pick but... Ron Volkman would be great too. We need a smart, organisational halfback which we've been missing for too long. This is a costly recruitment however it's the key to unlocking everything.
8 - David Klemmer - no explanation needed.
9 - Api Korosau - same as above.
10 - Alex Twal - work horse front rower, hold the fort and get through the early minutes hard work.
11 - Papalii'i - safe
12 - AJ Kepoa - safe
13 - John Bateman, like the idea of him at lock.
Bench
14 - Blore - bench forward for mine.
15 - Jackson Topine (Bulldogs) Sheens like utility , can probably play centre 6, 9, backrow and lock. Would be a great addition to the team.
16 Stedano Utoikamanu - bench forward for mine.
17 Fonua Pole - impact forward from the bench, seen what he can do and he is great.
This is how i would strengthen our team.
1 Kaeo Weekes
2 Jnr Tupou
3 Brent Naden
4 Kayal Iro
5 Tyrell Sloane
6 AD
7 Sezar
8 Klemmer
9 Api
10 Twal
11 Papalii
12 AJ
13 Bateman
14 Topine
15 Pole
16 Blore
17 Utoikamanu