Looking at the list- a couple of things:
Blore signed for 2024?
Only 1 spot available and we want Seyfarth, James, Staines, Fa'agutu, Hiroti, Olam etc signed. We are going to miss out on some of the guys we want.
Last year of their contract guys- Sione Fainu, Twal, To'a, Doueihi, Reilly, Rua, Simpkin, Mansfield, Kepaoa & Blore. These are the guys easiest to move on early as they sign contracts after Nov 1. Who, realistically, will have a genuine market? Blore, To'a, Twal, Simpkin. Maybe Kepaoa. Doueihi to a degree. What I find interesting- no talk of EXTENSIONS on contracts for these guys except Blore (Tupou as well- but I discard him as I doubt we let him move on early). So, assume Blore & Tupou are 'safe'. Doueihi is out most of the season- so he's not going anywhere. Unless someone has seen something in Mansfield, chances are he's not highly sought after. Same with Rua. And Fainu isn't easy to move on.
Most of us agree Simpkin seems likely. I remember reading the Storm had some interest in Kepaoa. Twal & To'a might be the easiest to move on though. Twal, I expect, would be popular in the UK. Not saying we SHOULD move him on, but given our forward depth...Seyfarth (rising player) or Twal (probably as good as he gets)...who is the more important signing? To'a...if we can get Olam, I'd give up To'a yesterday & partner Olam with either Naden, Reilly or Feledy.
Who NEEDS a hooker? Roosters for sure. Parramatta. Broncos? I'd say these are the three most likely in for Simpkin. Broncos might make sense to return to Qld. Possibly the link with Willison? Exchange?
The club can't sign Staines on his $500k a year he had this year. There HAS to be better value- he's not THAT good a player. Hiroti on a small contract, freeing up cash to retain Tupou/Bula etc makes more sense.
I think the club will need to move on at least 1 or 2 of our more favoured players in order to improve. Not talking about Simpkin. More, Blore, Seyfarth, Twal, To'a. There's a market for these guys. And they can be improved on. We won't lose all, but for the overall good of the squad, I'd prepare to see at least one move on.